The Department of Tourism Studies, Faculty of Management, Uva Wellassa University in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism – Uva Province, actively participated in Sancharaka Udawa 2025, a premier travel and tourism exhibition organized by the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO). This exhibition was held on 23rd and 24th May 2025 at BMICH, Colombo, with the participation of leading industry stakeholders. On 23rd, the exhibition was opened by His Excellency, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
The joint stall showcased the tourism potential of the Uva Province, highlighting unique attractions, cultural heritage, and eco-tourism opportunities in Uva province, while also promoting academic and research contributions in tourism from Uva Wellassa University. The presence of both institutional and academic representation created a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange and networking. The stall attracted significant attention from both local and international tourism stakeholders, travel agents, investors, and industry professionals. Visitors showed keen interest in the untapped tourism potential of the Uva Province, particularly its sustainable tourism practices and nature-based experiences. Moreover, the media coverage and social media mentions further enhanced the visibility of the stall, strengthening the branding of Uva Province as an emerging tourism destination. Overall, the participation at Sancharaka Udawa 2025 was a resounding success, effectively promoting the Uva Province while fostering academic-industry collaboration in the tourism sector.