With the objective to tap into the potential of the market in southern India, Sri Lanka Tourism will conduct a three-city roadshow in Chennai, Bengaluru and Kochi next week.

Continuing with its aggressive engagement and outreach in its largest source market, India, Sri Lanka Tourism is set to mount a three-city roadshow in southern India, targetting the key cities of Chennai, Kochi and Bengaluru.

According to a press statement issued by Sri Lanka Tourism, the first road show will be held at Chennai on April 24, to be followed by Kochi on April 26 and Bengaluru on April 28.

In the statement, the tourism board says that Sri Lanka is witnessing a considerable increase in international tourist arrivals, with India leading the way and securing the number one position. It adds that the series of roadshow will be promoting a myriad of tourism experiences while focusing on converting potential travellers to make booking and highlight the positive message that Sri Lanka is open for leisure, business and MICE tourism.

The statement adds that the target audience at these roadshows will be tour operators, media, key influencers, corporates, trade associations and key tourism industry stakeholders in India, who have the ability to communicate the message that Sri Lanka is not only one of the most beautiful countries with an amazing range of destinations and products, but is also safe and secure.

The statement adds that Sri Lankan Tourism Minister Harin Fernando will lead a delegation of over 30 Sri Lankan travel agencies and hotels. The delegation will also include Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Chalaka Gajabahu, Chairman of Sri Lanka Convention Bureau Thisum Jayasuriya, Junior Manager of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) Shirani Herth and Manager, Marketing of Sri Lanka Convention Bureau Malkanthi Welikla.

The statement adds that many industry stakeholders have supported this endeavour including Sri Lankan Airlines and Indigo Airlines. Each roadshow will include B2B Sessions facilitating numerous discussions followed by an Evening Networking event which will also help to improve business partnerships.

The statement adds that a touch of glamour will be added to these events with the participation of celebrities such as cricket legend Sanath Jayasuriya. A dancing troupe specially flown in for this event will showcase Sri Lankan rich heritage of performing arts.

During the roadshows, Fernando is expected to meet several high-profile business leaders, tourism stakeholders and corporates while engaging in several media interviews with leading Indian media houses.

India has generated over 80,000 tourist arrivals to the country so far in 2023 and it is expected to double these numbers by 2023. Thus, these roadshows will add more value to create a positive mindset regarding Sri Lanka and its diversity of attractions, cultural value and travel opportunities, enabling Indian tourist arrivals to the destination, says the statement.

Sri Lanka has seen an increase from tourism earnings with around USD 530 million in the first three months of 2023 as compared to the USD 482.3 in corresponding period last year.

“Tourism in Sri Lanka over the last six months have been very interesting and promising. The last three months alone in 2023 from January to March has seen 8,000 tourist arrivals a day, which is the highest since 2018,” says Fernando.

“Sri Lanka values the Indian outbound market and has been a key driver of arrivals into our country. Sri Lanka offers other than its rich heritage of 2,500 years, a spectacular array of destinations and products such as wellness and yoga, beaches, shopping, cuisine, adventure and wildlife. The added attraction for the Indian market is the very well laid out Ramayana circuit, which is an excellent religious travel initiative. The time is perfect to experience the warm hospitality of our people!” he adds.

“Sri Lanka offers a complete destination for families and is a yearlong destination.  Sri Lanka is also meeting the travel industry here in India to further establish the country as go-to destination. We are here in India with our stakeholders’ representing hotels and resorts, destination management companies,

event management companies to reach out to our travel-trade partners in India to add value to a mutually fruitful relationship,” says Chalaka Gajabahu, Chairman Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.

“Sri Lanka is a promising MICE destination for meetings, conferences & incentives. The proximity and good connectivity enhance the appeal of Sri Lanka as a cost effective and attractive place for MICE travellers,” says Thisum Jayasuriya, Chairman Sri Lanka Convention Bureau.