Sri Lanka Highlights Tourism as a Pillar of Diplomacy at Global Tourism Forum 2026

Sri Lanka placed tourism at the center of global diplomatic and economic discussions during the Global Tourism Forum Davos 2026, held on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Switzerland. The forum, convened under the broader WEF theme “A Spirit of Dialogue,” brought together a select group of heads of government, ministers, and global business leaders to elevate tourism from a sectoral issue to a strategic component of global decision-making.

Representing Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, M.P. participated as a key speaker in the high-level session “Diplomacy for Travel: Tourism as Soft Power and Diplomatic Capital.” The discussion focused on how tourism can function as an instrument of soft power, reinforcing international trust, cultural diplomacy, and regional cooperation through mobility and people-to-people engagement.

In her remarks, Prime Minister Amarasuriya underscored tourism’s role in strengthening diplomatic relationships and sustaining international solidarity, particularly in times of crisis. Referring to the impact of Cyclone Ditwah in November, just ahead of Sri Lanka’s peak tourist season, she highlighted the country’s outreach to the international community and the importance of global cooperation in recovery and resilience.

The session explored how emerging economies and small states can leverage tourism to enhance global visibility, foster regional connectivity, and contribute to stability and dialogue in an increasingly fragmented world. Issues such as aviation links, travel corridors, cultural exchange, and tourism-led confidence-building were central to the discussion.

During her visit to Davos, Prime Minister Amarasuriya is also scheduled to hold a series of high-level bilateral meetings with international leaders, heads of global institutions, and senior executives, further positioning Sri Lanka as an active participant in global economic and diplomatic engagement.

The Global Tourism Forum Davos 2026 reinforced the growing recognition of tourism as a strategic asset—intersecting with diplomacy, investment, and geopolitical dialogue—rather than merely an economic sector, aligning closely with Sri Lanka’s vision of tourism-driven resilience and international cooperation.