Sri Lanka Convention Bureau Organises Multi-City MICE Roadshows in India to Boost Tourism Ties
Chennai, May 29, 2026: The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, operating under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka, is organising a series of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) Roadshows and Evening Networking Sessions in Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Chennai during the last week of May 2026, as part of efforts to position Sri Lanka as a preferred MICE tourism destination for the Indian market.
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| (L to R) Kasun Welaratne, Sales Manager, Sri Lankan Airlines; Dheera Hettiarachchi, Chairman, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau; Dr.Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, Deputy High Commissioner, Chennai |
The first roadshow was conducted on May 25 at Crowne Plaza Ahmedabad City Centre, followed by the Kolkata event on May 27 at ITC Sonar. The final roadshow and networking session is being held on May 29 at Pullman Chennai Anna Salai.
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India continues to remain one of the largest source markets for Sri Lanka tourism in both leisure and MICE segments. According to figures released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Sri Lanka welcomed 531,511 Indian tourists in 2025, accounting for 22 per cent of the country’s total tourist arrivals. The island nation also recorded its highest-ever number of Indian tourist arrivals during the year, while tourism earnings crossed USD 3.2 billion.
Officials stated that MICE and business tourism contribute nearly 10 per cent of Sri Lanka’s overall tourist arrivals and continue to remain an important segment of the tourism industry.
Tourism growth has continued in 2026 as well, with Sri Lanka recording 951,742 tourist arrivals from January to mid-May, including 221,953 visitors from India. Industry representatives noted that the figures reflect increasing travel demand and strong bilateral connectivity between the neighbouring countries.
Air connectivity between India and Sri Lanka remains robust, with SriLankan Airlines operating 90 weekly flights connecting Sri Lanka with nine Indian cities. In addition, IndiGo and Air India operate regular services to Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Chennai, ensuring convenient travel options for corporate and leisure travellers.
The roadshows aim to showcase Sri Lanka’s diverse MICE capabilities, tourism infrastructure and hospitality offerings to Indian travel trade stakeholders, including MICE tour operators, corporate leaders, trade associations, media representatives and influencers.
A 24-member delegation comprising leading Sri Lankan tour operators and hoteliers is participating in the initiative, highlighting the country’s scenic destinations, hospitality standards and unique travel experiences.
Organisers said the MICE promotions are structured to facilitate productive B2B interactions and strengthen partnerships between Indian and Sri Lankan tourism stakeholders. Evening networking sessions are also being organised to encourage informal business engagement and relationship-building opportunities.
Press conferences in all three cities are expected to generate wider visibility for Sri Lanka as a leading MICE and leisure tourism destination. A special cultural performance by a Sri Lankan troupe is also being presented as part of the programme, showcasing the country’s rich heritage and traditions.
Addressing the gathering, Dheera Hettiarachchi, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, said, “Sri Lanka is an ideal MICE destination due to its close proximity and strong connectivity with India, making it a cost-effective and attractive choice for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions. These MICE promotions will further showcase Sri Lanka’s growth and strengthen tourism and business ties between the two countries.”
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