Sri Lanka Tourism roadshow series in India kicks off today

• Tourism Minister Harin Fernando gives leadership to key initiative in New Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad involving over 50 travel agents and hotels as well as celebrities Sanath Jayasuriya and Yohani de SIlva

Sri Lanka Tourism will today kick-off a series of roadshows in select cities of India in a bid to woo more visitors from the giant neighbour and thereby fast-track revival of industry battered by multiple crises since 2019.

The first roadshow will be held at the Taj Palace Hotel in New Delhi today, followed by in Mumbai at the St. Regis Hotel on 28 September and closing with the Hyderabad Roadshow at Taj Krishna Hotel on 30 September 2022. 

“The main purpose of hosting these roadshows is to promote Sri Lanka as an attractive tourism destination across India, as it is one of Sri Lanka’s key source markets and has been extremely supportive in Sri Lanka regaining lost momentum, both post-pandemic and the recent economic downturn,” Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau said. 

It said Sri Lanka is witnessing a considerable increase in tourist arrivals with India leading the way and securing the number one position.

The event also focuses on 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 target audience at these roadshows will be tour operators, media, key influencers, corporates and trade associations and key tourism industry stakeholders in India, who have the ability to take the message that Sri Lanka is not only one of the most beautiful countries but is also safe and secure; adhering to all the necessary health and safety guidelines. 

A delegation of over 50 local travel agencies and hotels will be participating at this event led by Tourism Minister Harin Fernando accompanied by SLTPB Chairman Chalaka Gajabahu and Sri Lanka Conventions Bureau Chairman Thisum Jayasuriya. Many industry stakeholders are supporting this endeavour including SriLankan Airlines and MasterCard.

Each roadshow will include B2B Sessions facilitating numerous discussions followed by an Evening Networking event which will also help to improve business partnerships. 

A touch of glamour will be added to these events with the participation of celebrities such as Sanath Jayasuriya and Yohani De Silva, where dance and entertainment will be included at each event, to give the audience an amazing experience and also a glimpse of Sri Lankan culture.  The dancing troupe will be sponsored by MasterCard, and will showcase their talent along with Yohani’s musical performances. 

During the Road shows, Minister 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 and is expected to double these numbers by 2023.  These roadshows will add more value to create a positive mindset regarding Sri Lanka and its diversity of attractions, SLTPB said.