🇷🇺 Sri Lanka Wins Top Award at Moscow's 'Let's Travel' Forum 2026 📈

Sri Lanka successfully enhanced its destination profile in Russia at the 6th Let’s Travel International Tourism Forum (ITF) 2026 in Moscow, held from June 10–14. • Overall Footprint: The event drew over 511,000 visitors, 180 country/regional stands, and 574 organizations. Sri Lanka secured the prestigious 'Let’s Travel First-Degree Laureate Award' among 12 international participants. • Strategic Bilateral Gains: Led by Deputy Tourism Minister Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, the delegation initiated high-level talks with Russia's Ministry of Economic Development to expand regional outreach, organize familiarization tours, and enhance crucial air connectivity. • Key Policy Focus: Sri Lanka participated in high-level panels addressing direct flights and simplified visas, positioning the island as a highly accessible year-round destination. • Pavilion & B2B Highlights: The Sri Lankan pavilion drove massive consumer traffic using authentic Ceylon tea experiences, wildlife, and cultural showcases. Crucially, B2B sessions connected Sri Lankan partners with outbound tour operators across 8 Russian regions, moving market expansion beyond just Moscow and St. Petersburg to aid geographic diversification. • Media Visibility: High-impact exclusive interviews with TASS and Sputnik News Agencies amplified Sri Lanka’s tourism branding directly to the Russian mass market.