Visa-free entry, premium packages, and wellness focus Position Island as top GCC destination
Sri Lanka is set to experience a major boost in tourist arrivals from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and wider Middle East markets following its impactful presence at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 in Dubai. With a focus on community-based experiences, wellness retreats, and luxury hospitality, the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) presented a refreshed vision aimed at positioning the island as a premier travel destination for discerning global travellers.
During a press conference held on the sidelines of the event, SLTPB Managing Director Sampath Nishshanka emphasised the country’s unique offering: “Sri Lanka is not just a destination—it is an experience shaped by warmth, culture, and meaningful connections. We take pride in our heritage and genuine hospitality. At ATM 2025, we invite the world to rediscover Sri Lanka with fresh eyes and open hearts.”
SLTPB highlighted several strategic initiatives, including collaborations with GCC-based airlines and travel agencies to improve connectivity and promote curated travel experiences tailored to regional tastes. Visa-free entry for GCC nationals, direct flights, and exclusive luxury packages have further enhanced the island’s appeal among Middle Eastern travellers.
The Sri Lanka Pavilion at ATM 2025 showcased a diverse group of co-exhibitors ranging from boutique hotels and wellness retreats to destination management companies (DMCs). These stakeholders expressed strong interest in forging regional partnerships, particularly with travel professionals catering to family holidays, spiritual journeys, and adventure tourism—segments that align with growing summer travel trends in the Middle East.
Infrastructure upgrades, new hospitality offerings, and enhanced digital marketing efforts are central to Sri Lanka’s evolving tourism strategy. The SLTPB also spotlighted its efforts to strengthen media and trade engagement through authentic storytelling and campaigns that build trust and highlight Sri Lanka’s safe, culturally rich, and nature-filled experiences.
Positioned as a halal-friendly destination, Sri Lanka continues to attract travellers from the GCC with its year-round tropical climate, luxurious resorts, and diverse landscapes—from golden beaches to misty mountains. The island’s commitment to inclusive, sustainable tourism ensures that both high-end and experience-driven travellers find compelling reasons to explore its many offerings.
By actively engaging at ATM 2025, Sri Lanka signals its intent to deepen ties with Middle Eastern markets and pave the way for a robust, sustainable recovery in its tourism sector, which remains a vital pillar of the nation’s economy.
