Record-Breaking Surge in Tourism Arrivals in Sri Lanka; India Maintains Position as Top Source Market
Chennai: Sri Lanka Tourism is stepping up its promotional efforts in India by conducting a series of B2B roadshows and networking evenings in Madurai (Oct 6), Coimbatore (Oct 8), and Chennai (Oct 10), 2025. These events aim to position Sri Lanka as a year-round travel destination, focusing on Southern India's fast-growing travel market.
Organised by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB), the initiative features over 40 Sri Lankan stakeholders including DMCs, hotels, tour operators, and service providers. These stakeholders will engage in direct B2B interactions with Indian travel professionals to strengthen bilateral tourism ties and explore opportunities for collaboration.
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Leading the delegation, Hon. Vijitha Herath, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, emphasised Southern India's cultural and historical links with Sri Lanka, stating the roadshows aim to reinforce these connections and promote Sri Lanka for leisure, MICE, and spiritual travel.
Deputy Tourism Minister Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe highlighted the region’s potential for growth, inviting Indian travellers and investors to explore Sri Lanka's diverse experiences — from nature and adventure to heritage and wellness.
Each event attracted over 200 participants, including travel agents, media, and key industry players. A Sri Lankan cultural dance troupe added a colourful flair, offering glimpses into the island’s rich traditions. Media interactions were also held to boost destination visibility.
India remains Sri Lanka’s top tourism source market, contributing 22% of total arrivals. Between January and September 2025, 375,292 Indian tourists visited Sri Lanka out of a total of 1.72 million, with tourism earnings exceeding USD 2.3 billion by August.
This campaign underlines Sri Lanka’s commitment to enhancing its presence in India, showcasing its unique blend of scenic beauty, cultural depth, and warm hospitality.
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