The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Milan, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, organised a Sri Lanka Tourism Roadshow and Networking Session on 19 October 2026 at Hotel Meliá Milano, with the objective of strengthening Sri Lanka’s presence in the Italian tourism market and fostering closer business partnerships between Sri Lankan and Italian tourism industry stakeholders.

The event brought together 24 representatives of the Sri Lankan tourism industry and around 60 Italian tour operators, travel agents, tourism professionals and media representatives to explore opportunities for expanding tourism cooperation between the two countries.

The programme was attended by the Mayor of the Municipal Council of Pero, Mr. Antonino Abbate as the Chief Guest and Councillor of the Municipal Council of Baranzate, Ms. Giulia di Nardo, as a guest of honour, together with the Managing Director of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Sanjaya Niroshana.

Welcoming the guests and participants, Consul General Dulmith Waruna emphasised the potential to further strengthen Sri Lanka’s position in the Italian market and noted that the roadshow aimed not only to promote Sri Lanka as a holiday destination but also to establish lasting professional relationships between the two countries’ tourism industries. He encouraged participants to use the B2B platform to develop new itineraries, innovative travel packages and commercial partnerships that could increase tourist arrivals and tourism revenue.

The Chief Guest, Mayor of Pero Antonino Abbate, also addressed the gathering, highlighting that, beyond its diverse tourism offerings, one of Sri Lanka’s greatest treasures is its people. Drawing on his personal experience with the Sri Lankan community residing in his city, he expressed his appreciation for the Sri Lankan people and their rich civilisation. He further emphasised the role of tourism in bringing people and cultures closer together, noting that Sri Lanka offers Italian visitors an exciting opportunity to discover a distinctive destination, experience a different culture and build meaningful connections.

A dedicated B2B session followed the ceremonial opening, enabling Sri Lankan tourism industry representatives to engage directly with Italian travel trade professionals, exchange information and explore opportunities for commercial cooperation. The discussions focused on strengthening business relationships, enhancing destination awareness and identifying avenues for increasing tourist arrivals from Italy to Sri Lanka.

The participation of media representatives further supported efforts to raise awareness of Sri Lanka’s tourism attractions and experiences among Italian audiences. Following the ceremonial opening, the Managing Director Sanjaya Niroshana conducted a media briefing and responded to questions from Italian media representatives regarding Sri Lanka. He also highlighted the country’s wellness tourism offerings and their potential to attract more Italian travellers seeking relaxation, rejuvenation and holistic wellbeing experiences.

The event featured traditional Sri Lankan cultural performances and music, providing guests with a glimpse of the island’s rich cultural heritage. A raffle draw added to the evening’s programme, which concluded with a dinner featuring a fusion of Sri Lankan and Italian cuisine.

Through initiatives such as this roadshow, Sri Lanka seeks to expand its visibility in the Italian market, encourage new business partnerships and strengthen the longstanding friendship between Sri Lanka and Italy through tourism and people-to-people connections.

Consulate General of Sri Lanka

Milan, Italy

30 October 2026