Sri Lanka Tourism achieved outstanding international recognition at the 41st Seoul International Travel Fair (SITF 2026), held from 4–7 June 2026 at COEX, Seoul, South Korea, securing four prestigious awards that highlight the country's growing prominence on the global tourism stage.

​A major highlight of Sri Lanka's participation was the conferment of the 2026 SITF Eminent Tourism Pioneer Award on Hon. Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, Deputy Minister of Tourism, in recognition of his exceptional leadership, vision, and contributions to the development and promotion of Sri Lanka's tourism industry. The award was presented during the SITF Gala Night Gathering, attended by international tourism leaders, policymakers, and industry representatives.

The award is granted following a rigorous annual evaluation conducted by the SITF Tourism Award Committee, which assesses both academic contributions and industry impact in the global tourism sector. In 2026, only six individuals—three from Korea and three international personalities—were selected for this distinguished recognition. Notably, Prof. Ranasinghe became the first Sri Lankan in the 41-year history of SITF to receive this honour, marking a historic milestone for Sri Lanka Tourism.

In addition to this individual recognition, the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) received three major awards for its destination marketing and exhibition excellence:

• Best Popular Booth Award
• Best Booth Design Award
• Best Performance Award

The Sri Lanka Pavilion attracted thousands of visitors through authentic cultural experiences, interactive displays, and renowned Sri Lankan hospitality. Its award-winning design, inspired by Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage and traditional Embekke wood carvings, effectively showcased the country's diverse tourism offerings. Meanwhile, vibrant performances by traditional dancers and drummers captivated audiences throughout the exhibition, earning Sri Lanka the Best Performance Award.

These awards were presented during the SITF 2026 Closing Ceremony on 7 June 2026. Competing among tourism organizations and destinations from approximately 40 participating countries, Sri Lanka's success stands as a significant endorsement of the country's excellence in destination marketing, cultural presentation, and visitor engagement.

Commenting on the recognition, Hon. Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe stated: "It is my great privilege to receive the SITF Eminent Tourism Pioneer Award. This honour reflects not only a personal achievement but also Sri Lanka's growing recognition as a premier travel destination. I extend my sincere gratitude to all those who continue to support and promote tourism as a force for global connection and prosperity. Together, we will continue working to elevate Sri Lanka's tourism industry and share our island's unique experiences with the world."

These achievements reinforce Sri Lanka's position as one of Asia's most attractive and diverse travel destinations and demonstrate the country's commitment to sustainable tourism development, cultural excellence, innovation, and international collaboration.

Sri Lanka's Awards at SITF 2026

• SITF Eminent Tourism Pioneer Award – Hon. Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, Deputy Minister of Tourism
• Best Popular Booth Award
• Best Booth Design Award
• Best Performance Award

The four prestigious recognitions mark one of Sri Lanka Tourism's most successful international promotional achievements in 2026 and further strengthen the country's reputation as a leading global tourism destination