The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL), in collaboration with the Embassy of Romania in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, hosted a landmark virtual bilateral tourism promotion dialogue between Sri Lanka and Romania on 22nd April 2026. The discussion is the first of its kind between the two nations, bringing together senior representatives from government ministries, tourism promotion boards, industry associations, and airline partners from both countries to explore strategies for boosting tourist arrivals and strengthening economic cooperation.
The initiative to convene this tourism dialogue originated at an NCCSL meeting with the Embassy of Romania in Sri Lanka in December 2025, where strengthening bilateral economic cooperation, including tourism, was identified as a strategic priority. The virtual discussion was organized by Ms. Renuka Jayamanna, Chairperson of the Tourism Sector NCCSL council, together with the NCCSL secretariat, and attended by H.E. Mihaela Rutjens, Chargé d’Affaires a.i., Embassy of Romania in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Mr. Alin Grigore, Director General, General Directorate of Tourism, Ministry of Economy, Digitalization, Entrepreneurship and Tourism of Romania (MEDET), Mr. Ovidiu Tudor, Chairman of the Association Incoming Romania, H.E. Mr. Samantha Pathirana, Sri Lankan Ambassador in Romania. Representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, and President, Secretary General and several council members of the NCCSL were also present.
Key discussion points were opportunities to increase tourist arrivals, potential partnerships between tour operators, promotional activities, destination marketing, and familiarization of visits for tour operators and travel media. Both sides expressed a strong commitment to translating the dialogue into tangible actions, including the upcoming Bucharest roadshow in May 2026 and sustained engagement through digital campaigns, trade fair participation, and facilitated business-to-business connections.
Stakeholders wishing to connect with relevant authorities or participants are invited to contact the NCCSL Secretariat.
