Saturday Feb 07, 2026
Saturday Feb 07, 2026
Saturday, 7 February 2026 00:17 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Sri Lanka recently held the Boat and Marine Show and Conference 2026, as South Asia’s leading marine lifestyle and industry event. It was held from 30 January to 1 February, at Sail Lanka Charter, Port City Colombo.
The Conference was organised by Sri Lanka Tourism in collaboration with the Chamber of Marine Industries Sri Lanka, while the Boat Show was organised in cooperation with the Chamber of Marine Industries Sri Lanka and managed by CDC Events Ltd., with the support of the Ministries of Industry and Entrepreneurship, Foreign Affairs, Employment and Tourism, together with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB).
This collective backing reflects Sri Lanka’s strategic vision to emerge as a regional centre for boating, yachting, and marine tourism, while strengthening the country’s position as a premier island destination.
Through events such as the Boat and Marine Show 2026, Sri Lanka Tourism aims to promote these underwater attractions to international markets while encouraging sustainable marine tourism practices that protect and preserve the nation’s ocean heritage.
Recognised by the Government as a priority platform for export promotion, investment attraction, and tourism development, the Boat and Marine Show offered exhibitors enhanced credibility and exposure, while assuring buyers of a stable and investor-friendly environment.
Sri Lanka Tourism said it is keen to position the country as a leading marine and nautical tourism destination by highlighting its rich underwater treasures and unique ocean-based experiences. With vibrant coral reefs, historic shipwrecks, diverse marine biodiversity, and world-renowned whale and dolphin watching locations, Sri Lanka offers exceptional opportunities for diving, snorkelling, underwater exploration, and nautical leisure tourism.
Since its inception in 2008, the Boat and Marine Show has evolved from a modest exhibition into South Asia’s foremost marine showcase, positioning boating as a lifestyle while attracting international buyers, investors, and enthusiasts. Successful editions held in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2023 have paved the way for an expanded and more ambitious 2026 event.
The 2026 show displayed an impressive range of offerings, including boats, yachts, and shipbuilders from Sri Lanka and overseas; marine engines, navigation systems, repair solutions, and composite materials; diving operators, water sports providers, and eco- tourism ventures; yacht brokers, marinas, and charter services; and whale and dolphin watching operators. This blend of trade and lifestyle experiences ensured strong appeal to both industry professionals and the general public.
Delegations from India, Singapore, Maldives, South Korea, Belgium, Germany, Holland, the UK, Seychelles, and the Middle East attended, providing exhibitors with direct access to global buyers and key decision-makers. Participants included investors seeking joint ventures in marine industries; hotels, resorts, and tour operators; navy, coast guard, and port authorities; adventure clubs, yachting associations, and high-net-worth individuals, marine industries; hotels, resorts, and tour operators; navy, coast guard, and port authorities; adventure clubs, yachting associations, and high-net-worth individuals.
