Travel Trade and Media Networking Session: Turn Winter into Wonder

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Sweden hosted a Travel Trade and Media Networking
Session on 18 December 2025 at the Embassy premises, bringing together over 35
representatives from the Swedish travel trade and media. The event aimed to reaffirm
Sri Lanka’s readiness as an open, safe, and welcoming tourism destination following
Cyclone Ditwah, and to provide accurate, on-the-ground updates to strengthen
confidence in the Nordic market.

Delivering the opening remarks, Ambassador of Sri Lanka Kapila Fonseka highlighted Sri
Lanka’s resilience and swift recovery in the aftermath of the cyclone. He reaffirmed that
the country is fully operational, with tourism services functioning normally, and
emphasized the importance of continued collaboration with travel trade and media
partners in conveying accurate information to prospective travelers in Sweden and the
wider Nordic region.

A detailed presentation on Sri Lanka’s post-cyclone situation was delivered by Head of
Chancery and Minister of the Embassy, Udani Gunawardena outlining the rapid
restoration of infrastructure, transport connectivity, and other tourism services. It was
reassured that almost all tourist attractions, hotels, wildlife parks, and cultural sites are
operating as normal, supported by strong tourist arrivals during December and high
hotel occupancy levels during the peak season.

Addressing the gathering virtually from Colombo, Regional Manager of Cinnamon Hotels
& Resorts Sri Lanka, Johan Aschan stated that tourism operations remain unaffected by
the cyclone, with hotels booked well into April 2026, reflecting strong demand. Video
testimonials from Swedish and Nordic travelers who recently visited Sri Lanka, compiled
by Co-founder of ‘Animals Ahangama’ Anndala Ehrstedt further reassured participants of
safe and uninterrupted travel experiences.

Further remarks were delivered by Chair of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA),
Lena Skogström who shared her personal travel experiences in Sri Lanka, highlighting
the country as a safe, comfortable, and welcoming destination. Secretary General of the
Sri Lanka–Sweden Business Council, Leif Ohson emphasized Sri Lanka’s natural beauty
and the importance of supporting the country through tourism as it plays a key role in
rebuilding livelihoods and communities.

The session concluded with tourism and Ceylon tea promotional videos followed by
authentic Sri Lankan refreshments and networking.

Embassy of Sri Lanka

Stockholm
19 December 2025