Sri Lanka and dnata Travel partner as UAE arrivals climb 28% in Q1.

The island nation is deepening its gulf tourism push with dnata Travel as a key partner.

Dubai, UAE, 29th April 2025: Dubai-based dnata Travel is collaborating with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), supporting the island nation’s push to attract more visitors from the Gulf country and the wider region.

Announced at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, the collaboration comes as tourist arrivals from the UAE grew by 28% in the first quarter of 2025, compared to the same period last year, according to the SLTDA.

dnata Travel’s own booking trends reflect Sri Lanka’s growing appeal. During last year’s peak summer and winter travel seasons, the island nation emerged as one of the most booked international destinations for UAE travellers – highlighting strong momentum across key holiday periods.

Tapping into premium travel trends

The surge is driven by a rise in premium leisure travel and short-break holidays, with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) travellers drawn to Sri Lanka’s blend of nature, culture, adventure, and wellness – all just over four hours away by flight.

Through the new strategic alliance, dnata Travel and SLTDA will jointly promote curated travel experiences, destination awareness campaigns, and tailored offers for Gulf travellers looking for unique escapes.

Meerah Ketait, Head of Retail and Leisure UAE at dnata Travel, commented: “Over the past year, we’ve seen Sri Lanka rise rapidly in demand across our leisure travel platforms. Bookings from the UAE are up by double digits, especially for travellers seeking quick escapes tied to school breaks, long weekends, and nature-based experiences.”

“Our customer insights show that today’s Gulf traveller is more discerning and experience-driven than ever – they’re looking for meaningful journeys that balance adventure and comfort, and Sri Lanka delivers on all fronts.”

“Through this collaboration, we’ll not only broaden awareness of Sri Lanka’s lesser-known regions, but also help redefine what travel to the island can look like for the Gulf market – from boutique beach stays and wellness retreats to soft adventure and highland exploration.”

Source: https://dnatatravel.presspage.com/sri-lanka-and-dnata-travel-partner-as-uae-arrivals-climb-28-in-q1/