The airline industry and tourism promotion organization are focused on maintaining their upward trend in attracting international visitors to the island, which saw a remarkable 15.1 percent increase in tourism in 2025 compared to the previous year.
Emirates Airlines, the largest international airline globally, has extended its collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) to enhance efforts that benefit the nation’s tourism sector. With a network that reaches nearly 140 destinations across six continents, Emirates aims to showcase Sri Lanka’s attractions to a global audience while supporting increased tourist inflow.
This renewed collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Emirates’ Senior Vice President of Commercial West Asia and the Indian Ocean, and Chamila Jayarathna, Deputy Managing Director of SLTPB. The signing took place at the Arabian Travel Market 2026 and was attended by several dignitaries, including Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the UAE, H.E. Arusha Cooray, and other representatives from both Emirates and the tourism sector.
The MoU aims to build on the achievements of their previous partnership, which began in 2022, with Emirates playing a significant role in driving tourism arrivals to Sri Lanka. Last year, the country welcomed over 2.3 million international visitors, marking an impressive growth of 15.1% compared to the previous year’s total of just over 2 million tourists.
The partnership emphasizes the promotion of Sri Lanka as a travel destination within Emirates’ extensive network, which includes key markets such as Russia, the UK, Germany, Australia, and the US. Both Emirates and SLTPB engage in various initiatives, including marketing campaigns, tailored tours, and familiarization trips, to highlight the island’s offerings to potential visitors.
Essa Sulaiman Ahmad remarked, “Sri Lanka has been one of our longstanding destinations for over 40 years, and we are committed to collaborating with its tourism authority to enhance its standing as a premier tourist spot. We are dedicated to contributing to the prosperity of the country’s tourism sector.”
He also highlighted the significance of the Middle East as a strategic market for Emirates, noting the recent introduction of the Airbus A350 aircraft on the Dubai-Colombo route, which has now expanded to two daily flights. This addition aims to enhance the travel experience for passengers through upgraded comfort and new Premium Economy cabins.
Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman of SLTPB, emphasized the Middle East’s importance as a source market for Sri Lankan tourism and expressed enthusiasm for the renewed partnership with Emirates. He stated that this collaboration will strengthen accessibility and visibility for travelers from the region, positioning Sri Lanka as a competitive and attractive destination.
Hewawasam also expressed optimism about working closely with Emirates to promote the diverse tourism opportunities in Sri Lanka, believing that improved connectivity and joint promotional efforts will lead to sustainable tourism growth and encourage more travelers from the Middle East to explore the island’s unique experiences, natural beauty, and renowned hospitality.
Emirates operates three daily non-stop flights between Colombo and Dubai and offers various flight timings, in addition to one daily service via Male, utilizing a mix of Airbus A350 and Boeing 777 aircraft.
Since commencing operations in Sri Lanka in April 1986, Emirates has played a vital role in supporting the nation’s tourism and export sectors through both passenger and cargo services.
Photo caption: The renewal of the partnership between Emirates and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.
Financial Chronicle Biz English | Sri Lanka Business News.
