Sri Lanka hosts 4th meeting of BIMSTEC Network of Tour Operators

Thursday, 13 August 2026 00:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka successfully hosted the 4th Meeting of the BIMSTEC Network of Tour Operators on 21–22 July 2026 at the Sheraton Colombo.

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional organisation comprising seven member states: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Connected by the Bay of Bengal, these countries share a common interest in promoting regional cooperation across multiple sectors, including tourism.

The keynote remarks, delivered by Deputy Minister of Tourism Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, highlighted the immense potential of the BIMSTEC region to emerge as a diverse and globally attractive tourism destination. He emphasised the region’s rich cultural heritage, spiritual traditions, biodiversity, natural beauty, and historical significance as key strengths that position it as a compelling destination for international travellers.

Foreign Affairs Ministry Additional Secretary and Head of Delegation of the host member State, Sri Lanka S.L. Naseer was elected Chair and presided over the two-day meeting.

The meeting brought together delegations from all seven BIMSTEC member states and concluded with productive discussions aimed at strengthening regional tourism cooperation. Participants emphasised that BIMSTEC tourism initiatives should deliver tangible economic, social, and cultural benefits to all member states.

During the sessions, each member state delivered presentations on “Measures to Promote Intra-BIMSTEC Tourism, its Modalities, and the Role of Tour Operators.” Discussions focused on enhancing regional tourism through greater collaboration, improved connectivity, and the active engagement of tour operators.

The meeting also reviewed the operational modalities of the proposed BIMSTEC Tourism Circuits, including the Buddhist Circuit, Temple Circuit, Ecotourism Circuit, Cruise Circuit, and Adventure Circuit. Deliberations covered key aspects such as identifying destinations and routes, improving regional connectivity, facilitating travel, strengthening branding and promotion, enhancing stakeholder coordination, building capacity, and establishing effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.

A significant outcome of the meeting was the discussion on promoting the BIMSTEC Ramayana Trail as a regional tourism product. Member states recognised its potential to strengthen intra-BIMSTEC tourism while fostering cultural exchange and enhancing people-to-people connectivity across the region.

Delegates also discussed the establishment of a BIMSTEC Homestay Tourism Network as a voluntary platform to facilitate cooperation among member states and promote community-based tourism.

Following the conclusion of the official sessions, delegates participated in a Colombo City Tour and a familiarisation visit to Kandy, providing them with the opportunity to experience Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and diverse tourism attractions firsthand. These visits further showcased Sri Lanka as an attractive and multifaceted tourism destination while strengthening ties among the participating BIMSTEC member states.