Sri Lanka Tourism recently concluded the second leg of its inaugural Business Networking Event in India in 2024. The event begins on February 9, 2024 at the Sofitel BKC Hotel in Mumbai and ends on February 20, 2024 at the Shangri-La Hotel in Delhi. , and aims to strengthen relations between Sri Lanka and India.
The Mumbai event on February 9, 2024 was inaugurated by Harin Fernando, Minister of Tourism, Land, Sports and Youth Affairs. His Excellency Dr. Valsan Kumaran Vethody, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai, Jyoti Mayal, President, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), Jay Kantawala, President, West India Chapter, Federation of Indian Travel Agents, Thisum Jayasuriya, Chairman, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau and Darshana Cabraal, Board Member, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Board.
The Delhi event on February 20, 2024 was inaugurated by Hon. Shehan Semasinghe, Minister of State for Finance, His Excellency Kshenuka Senewiratne, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in New Delhi, Nalin Parera, General Manager, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Board, Krishantha Fernando, General Manager, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Board, Lanka Convention Bureau and Jyoti Meyya, President, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) Jyoti Mayal.
Both events brought together more than 300 participants in their respective cities, including travel agents, industry leaders and media representatives. The focus is on strengthening ties between Sri Lanka and India to pave the way for a mutually beneficial partnership in the tourism industry. A sharp increase in Indian tourists to Sri Lanka is believed to be the main factor driving the surge in tourist arrivals, which more than doubled from 13,759 in January last year to 34,399 in January 2024.
Through conversations and presentations, the event highlighted Sri Lanka’s stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality that keep visitors returning time and time again. Sri Lanka has captured the hearts and minds of people through its innovative ‘You’ll Come Back for More’ 360-degree marketing campaign and keeps repeat guests coming back with unforgettable experiences. As the evening unfolded, participants enjoyed a showcase of Sri Lanka’s diverse offerings, from pristine beaches to ancient temples, marking the island nation’s entry into a new era of tourism excellence.
Harim Fernando, Minister of Tourism, Land, Sports and Youth Affairs, delivered a speech and thanked India for its firm support for the development of tourism in Sri Lanka. Minister Fernando reviewed past challenges and emphasized that Sri Lanka has successfully transformed into a middle-income country with strong economic indicators. Tourism revenue will exceed US$2 billion in 2023, with tourist arrivals surging and Sri Lanka becoming a beacon of resilience in the face of adversity. “We have set a challenging goal of attracting 2.5 million tourists in 2024,” he said. He expressed optimism about the achievement of this goal, as more than 48,000 tourists were received in the first six days of February and the average number of visitors exceeded 9,000 person times.
His Excellency Kshenuka Senewiratne, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in New Delhi, said: “I see this platform as a great opportunity to strengthen cooperation. We have witnessed a significant increase of 103% in the number of tourists from India, This reflects our strong historical ties. Recent discussions between Prime Minister Modi and President Ranil Wickremesinghe underscore the strength of our partnership and our vision for India. It is to strengthen connectivity, accelerate cooperation in tourism, electricity, trade, education and skills development, and reflect India’s long-lasting commitment to Sri Lanka.
Dr. Valsan Kumaran Vethody, Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai, agreed with Minister Fernando and emphasized the importance of people-to-people interaction in strengthening bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and India. As tourism is a bridge between cultures and communities, Dr. Vethody stressed the need for greater collaboration in the tourism sector to realize the full potential of this partnership and emphasized the integration of Sri Lankan tourism into the broad Indian tourism market, which includes approx. 2 billion tourists, with a huge economic value of approximately US$150 billion.
Nalin Perera, Managing Director of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Board said: “Tourism is our third largest source of income, which is a major achievement for our small island. Despite the challenges we face, we always bounce back. In 2022, We have transformed and now offer not only sun and beach but also sports, culture, spirituality, history etc. Our focus is also on digital marketing campaigns to attract and serve the Indian market. Tailor-made itineraries for everyone With hotel investments in India, we’re sure you’ll want to come back.
“As Chairman of the Convention Bureau of Sri Lanka, I am proud to highlight the growth of our Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) industry. With world-class venues and convenient transportation, Sri Lanka has become ideal for hosting corporate events and conferences Location. We now have nearly 100 weekly flights from 9 cities in India, making it easier than ever for businesses to choose Sri Lanka. Hosting the third MICE Expo in May this year further cements our position as a gateway to unparalleled experiences, supporting the local area. economy and leave a lasting impact. The expo will showcase developments in the southern region, including the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) and the Magamruhunupura International Convention Center (MRICC), thereby transforming the region into a vibrant one. Vibrant International Events Center Sri Lanka Convention Chairman Thisum Jayasuriya said Bureau.
Speaking about seamless travel experience, Jyoti Mayal, President, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) said, “Travel agents are the backbone in promoting Sri Lanka as an ideal destination for Indian tourists. Through personalized service and tailor-made services Bespoke experiences, we create unforgettable journeys and enhance the overall visitor experience. Our role is vital in ensuring the sustainability and growth of Sri Lanka’s vibrant tourism industry.
Looking to the future, Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is expected to continue to grow and innovate. The ambitious targets set for tourist arrivals, coupled with new infrastructure plans and strategic collaborations with Indian companies, underline Sri Lanka’s commitment to becoming the region’s premier tourist destination. Additionally, initiatives to promote sustainable tourism practices and protect the island’s rich cultural and natural heritage are integral to the industry’s long-term success.
