Sri Lanka Concludes Roadshows in Lucknow, Chandigarh, and Jaipur
Strong Growth in Indian Tourist Arrivals Continues
Sri Lanka recently concluded a series of tourism roadshows and networking events in Lucknow (June 23), Chandigarh (June 25), and Jaipur (June 27). These initiatives were part of Sri Lanka’s efforts to strengthen tourism ties with key Indian cities and promote the island as a year-round destination.
Highlights:
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Visa-free entry for Indian travellers
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$1.54 billion in tourism revenue recorded in the first half of 2025
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Over 1 million total tourist arrivals (January–May 2025), with 204,060 from India
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India remains the top source market, accounting for 20% of arrivals
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90 weekly flights from SriLankan Airlines connecting to 9 Indian cities
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Daily flights are also operated by IndiGo and Air India
Strategic Engagement with Indian Market
Organised by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB), the roadshows aimed to enhance Sri Lanka’s visibility among travel professionals from Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Rajasthan. The events attracted over 200 participants per city, including travel agents, tour operators, and media representatives.
The Sri Lankan delegation was led by Hon. Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, and Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, Deputy Minister of Tourism. They were joined by officials from SLTPB and SLCB, along with over 35 representatives from the tourism sector, including hotels, tour operators, and destination management companies.
Promoting a Diverse Destination
The events showcased Sri Lanka’s wide range of offerings, including beaches, heritage sites, cultural attractions, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) opportunities. A Sri Lankan cultural dance troupe added a cultural dimension to the evenings, highlighting the island’s traditions and artistic heritage.
Strengthening Bilateral Tourism
India remains Sri Lanka’s most significant tourism partner. The strong connectivity, short travel time, and growing interest from Indian travellers have contributed to the increase in arrivals. These engagements are part of Sri Lanka Tourism’s ongoing efforts to attract more Indian travellers by enhancing accessibility, fostering industry partnerships, and highlighting its appeal as a reliable destination.
About Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB)
The SLTPB is the official government agency responsible for promoting Sri Lanka’s tourism sector. It works in coordination with stakeholders, including the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and the Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka, among others, to position Sri Lanka as a leading travel destination in South Asia.
About Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB)
The SLCB focuses on promoting Sri Lanka as a MICE destination. It assists planners and organizers with meetings, incentive travel, conferences, and exhibitions. With enhanced infrastructure and accessibility, Sri Lanka continues to grow as a preferred destination for corporate and business events, with India remaining a primary market.
Both SLTPB and SLCB operate under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism.
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