Osaka, Japan – October 2025
At the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Sri Lanka made a remarkable showcase of its tourism and business potential, integrating cultural promotion with trade and investment opportunities. The country’s pavilion not only highlighted its export industries but also positioned tourism as a strategic driver of economic growth.
Key Highlights:
- Tourism Integration in Trade Promotion: Sri Lanka demonstrated how tourism complements exports, emphasizing wellness retreats, heritage sites, eco-tourism, and adventure experiences.
- Investor Engagement: International investors and buyers were presented with opportunities to invest in tourism infrastructure, hospitality, and cultural experiences, enhancing foreign exchange earnings.
- Experiential Opportunities: The expo highlighted Sri Lanka’s unique offerings such as tea plantation tours, gem trails, Ayurveda and wellness tourism, and heritage experiences in cities like Kandy, Galle, and Sigiriya.
- Sustainability Focus: Sri Lanka’s tourism promotion included eco-friendly and community-based initiatives, reflecting a commitment to sustainable growth.
Strategic Significance:
By integrating tourism with trade and investment promotion, Sri Lanka presents itself as a multi-dimensional destination for investors. Tourism not only drives foreign revenue, but also strengthens the country’s global image as a culturally rich, safe, and investor-friendly economy.
Economic Impact:
Tourism contributes approximately 5% of Sri Lanka’s GDP and supports over 300,000 direct and indirect jobs. With international arrivals on the rise in 2025, showcasing tourism alongside business forums encourages FDI inflows and international partnerships.
