An exclusive B2B networking session to promote coordinated Sri Lanka and the Maldives twin-destination travel experiences was held at the Victoria Palace Hotel, Riyadh, on 19 May 2026. The event was jointly organised by Serendib Travel Holidays and Sun Siyam Hotels.
Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, O.L. Ameer Ajwad, graced the occasion and addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of a coordinated twin-destination tourism strategy. He highlighted that Sri Lanka offers a rich cultural heritage, wildlife, adventure tourism, wellness tourism, and diverse nature-based experiences, while the Maldives is globally renowned for luxury island hospitality and exclusive leisure tourism. He further noted that promoting both destinations together enhances their collective appeal to high-value international travellers seeking diverse experiences within a single travel itinerary.
The Ambassador also elaborated extensively on Sri Lanka’s strong commitment to strengthening its tourism sector and improving the overall visitor experience. He highlighted recent enhancements to airport arrival facilities, immigration processing efficiency, and passenger convenience services, all aimed at ensuring a smoother, faster, and more welcoming entry experience for international tourists.
Ambassador Ameer Ajwad further underscored the continued expansion and upgrading of Sri Lanka’s hotel and hospitality sector, including the development of new luxury resorts, boutique hotels, eco-lodges, and internationally branded properties. These developments reflect Sri Lanka’s growing capacity to cater to both premium and mid-range tourism segments, with improved service standards across all major destinations.
Ambassador appreciated the active role played by Serendib Travel Holidays in promoting Sri Lanka as a preferred tourist destination in the Saudi Arabian market through strategic partnerships and continuous engagement with the travel trade industry.
Mr. Mohammed Ashan of Serendib Travel Holidays and Mr. Thusitha Wickramasinghe, Country Manager of SriLankan Airlines, also made presentations outlining ongoing initiatives to further strengthen Sri Lanka’s destination marketing efforts. Diplomatic officials from the Embassies of both Sri Lanka and the Maldives participated in the session.
The event brought together representatives of leading tour operators in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, key stakeholders from the regional travel and tourism industry, as well as representatives of SriLankan Airlines.
Promotional videos on both destinations were screened during the event, while a raffle draw was organised to encourage destination familiarity, strengthen engagement with the travel trade, and further stimulate future travel demand.
The event concluded successfully, reinforcing strong institutional and industry commitment to promoting Sri Lanka and the Maldives as jointly positioned premium travel destinations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the broader GCC region, with Sri Lanka positioned as a key focus destination for future tourism growth.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Riyadh
22 May 2026
