Sri Lanka's Tourism Promotion Bureau and Turkish Airlines co-hosted an event in Toronto on October 29 to reconnect with Canadian travel advisors for the first time in nearly a decade. Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe and Turkish Airlines regional sales manager Solen Mailoglu addressed 65 advisors and media, along with representatives from 10 Sri Lankan destination management companies. A second event was held in Montreal on October 30.
Ranasinghe noted that Canadian arrivals to Sri Lanka are climbing but have not returned to pre-pandemic levels. In 2018, the country welcomed 52,600 Canadian visitors, but it is on track for only 35,000 in 2026. He identified the large Sri Lankan diaspora in Canada as a key opportunity, along with the country's exotic yet safe appeal for other Canadians.
Sri Lanka offers diverse attractions, including wildlife safaris, beaches, scenic train rides, and wellness retreats. Ranasinghe highlighted that it is the only place where travelers can see both elephants and blue whales in one trip. New projects in Colombo include a marina for 250 yachts and passenger drones, set to launch commercially on November 11, initially carrying two people between the airport and the city.
Turkish Airlines presented 11 weekly departures to Sri Lanka from Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal, with connections under four hours. Travelers can use the airline's free stopover program in Istanbul. Canadians do not need a visa but must obtain a free online electronic travel authorization. For travelers, Sri Lanka's small size and variety of activities make it a versatile option for different client interests.
