SriLankan Airlines recently took leading travel agents and sports influencers from India to watch the first match of the test series between Sri Lanka and Australia, held at the Galle International Cricket Stadium in Sri Lanka.

The visit by Indian agents and sports influencers served as an opportunity for them to witness the return to normalcy in Sri Lanka and also how inbound tourism is flourishing across the island, says a press release, adding that the tourism industry of Sri Lanka has always been one of the largest sources of foreign revenue for the country. “It has been no secret that the country is currently passing through the most difficult time in its recent history due to the ongoing economic crisis just after the Covid-19 pandemic which had previously destructed tourism in the country,’’ it says.

In order to inspire travellers across India which is the airline’s single largest source market and also to reassure that Sri Lanka is welcoming and safe, the airline took this initiative whereby inviting the tourists arriving in Sri Lanka to make the most of this much sought-after tourist paradise – with high exchange rates and great travel offers, says the press statement.

Ever since the easing of travel restrictions following the global pandemic, SriLankan Airlines has steered an extensive content creator campaign in order to build advocacy and familiarity to the brand SriLankan Airlines and destination Sri Lanka. Under this programme, SriLankan has welcomed over 60 elite content creators/social influencers from India so far, and the agents’ fam tour is another extension of this initiative.

“We believe that Sri Lanka holds a timeless appeal to the discerning Indian traveller; whether you are travelling solo or with family; or whether you are a seasoned repeater or a first-timer. During these challenging times, I firmly believe that the India market will be largely helpful in our bounce back efforts. I am confident that our long-standing affinity with the Indian travel trade partners will pave the way for fruitful results in the days to come,” says SriLankan Airlines Chief Executive Officer Richard Nuttall, while meeting the Indian group.

The tour included a memorable opening day of the first test between Sri Lanka and Australia played in honour of the legend the late Shane Warne, at the Galle International Cricket Stadium, a city tour of Colombo and experiencing a range of luxury hospitality properties in Colombo and the Southern Coast of the island. The Airline also offered them a memorable flying experience inclusive of a Business Class service, says the press release.

“Our intention has been to portray Sri Lanka as a safe and secure destination to the travellers from our closest neighbour, and to re-emphasise that the timeless charm of the destination remains intact despite what one sees or hears about the country on media which is mostly exaggerated,” says Saminda Perera, Head of Marketing of SriLankan Airlines.