Sri Lanka took center stage in Asian tourism as it hosted the 54th Skal International Asia Congress from June 26 to 28, 2025, at the iconic Taj Samudra Colombo. With over 200 tourism professionals, including hoteliers, aviation leaders, and travel experts from more than 15 countries, the event served as a powerful symbol of resilience and revival for Sri Lanka’s travel and hospitality sector.
Organized by Skal International Colombo with strong backing from the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, the Congress showcased Sri Lanka’s readiness to lead regional tourism recovery. SriLankan Airlines served as the official airline partner, while Aitken Spence Travels managed all ground arrangements, delivering seamless hospitality to international delegates.
In his opening address, Ahintha Amarasinghe, President of Skal Colombo, emphasized that the Congress was “more than a meeting — it’s a message that Sri Lanka is open, vibrant, and poised to reclaim its leadership in Asian tourism.” The three-day event featured high-level discussions on aviation recovery, digital transformation in tourism, and sustainable travel practices, aligning with Skal’s mission of fostering cross-border collaboration and ethical tourism growth.
Attendees also immersed themselves in Sri Lanka’s rich cultural offerings through heritage walks, traditional cuisine showcases, and curated excursions, reaffirming the country’s diverse appeal to global travelers. Skal International World President Denise Scrafton, who graced the event, lauded the Colombo chapter’s meticulous execution, calling the Congress “a symbol of solidarity and optimism for Asia’s tourism industry.”
The Congress concluded with a gala dinner, award ceremonies, and a ceremonial handover to the next host city, encapsulating Skal’s ethos of “Doing business among friends.” Beyond business networking, the event significantly boosted Sri Lanka’s visibility on the international tourism map and positioned the island nation as a destination of diversity, hospitality, and promise.
