"Russian Express" – one of the top 10 tour operators of Russia invited Ambassador Shobini Gunasekera and Embassy officials for a special meeting during their 29th Anniversary celebrations held in April. The main purpose of the meeting was to focus Sri Lanka as an exotic all-year round destination for Russian tourists.

The event brought together over 1000 travel agents to discuss the latest trends, insights and opportunities in the global tourism industry.
Ambassador, Gunasekera and the Commercial Director of "Russian Express" had a productive discussion of the industry forecasts for 2025 – 2026 season, sharing ideas on promoting Sri Lanka as an exotic travel destination. Ambassador has pointed out that Sri Lanka is a perfect destination for high-end tourists combining beach with a numerous kind of experience available all-year round.
The sides agreed to conduct joint promotional events inviting the business sector from Sri Lanka increasing awareness seminars on a regular basis increasing visibility of the island during 2025.
Founded in 1996, Russian Express today is a large tourist holding in non-mass segment, offering packaged and dynamic tours and individual routes of any complexity. The holding is represented in 18 cities of Russia, as well as in the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Republic of Belarus.