Sri Lanka Tourism secured strong international recognition at the 41st Seoul International Travel Fair (SITF 2026), held from June 4–7 at COEX in Seoul, South Korea, winning four major awards that underscore the country’s rising profile on the global tourism stage.
A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the 2026 SITF Eminent Tourism Pioneer Award to Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe, in recognition of his leadership and contribution to the development and promotion of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.
The award, presented during the SITF Gala Night, is selected annually through a rigorous evaluation process by the SITF Tourism Award Committee, which assesses both academic contributions and industry impact. In 2026, only six individuals were selected globally, making the recognition one of the fair’s most exclusive honours. The Deputy Minister is also the first Sri Lankan to receive the award in the event’s 41-year history.
In addition, the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) won three major accolades at the exhibition:
- Best Popular Booth Award
- Best Booth Design Award
- Best Performance Award
The Sri Lanka Pavilion attracted thousands of visitors through immersive cultural experiences, interactive displays, and traditional hospitality. Its award-winning design drew inspiration from Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, including the iconic Embekke wood carvings, while live performances by traditional dancers and drummers drew strong audience engagement throughout the event.
Sri Lanka competed alongside tourism authorities and organisations from around 40 countries, with organisers noting that the country’s performance reflected strong excellence in destination marketing, cultural presentation, and visitor engagement.
