Sri Lanka MICE tourism was promoted through roadshows in Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Chennai, highlighting the destination’s meetings infrastructure, connectivity and growing business events sector.
Sri Lanka MICE tourism was showcased through a series of roadshows in Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Chennai as the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau intensified efforts to strengthen the country’s position as a preferred meetings and events destination for the Indian market.
Organised under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, the roadshows and networking events took place during the final week of May 2026. The programme targeted MICE specialists, wedding planners, professional conference organisers and corporate buyers from three of India’s key outbound markets.
The first event was held on 25 May at Crowne Plaza Ahmedabad City Centre, followed by a roadshow at ITC Sonar in Kolkata on 27 May. The final event took place on 29 May at Pullman Chennai Anna Salai.
India remains one of Sri Lanka’s most important tourism source markets for both leisure and business travel. According to data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, the country welcomed 531,511 Indian visitors in 2025, representing 22% of total international arrivals and marking the highest number of Indian arrivals ever recorded by Sri Lanka.
Tourism earnings exceeded US$3.2 billion during 2025, underlining the sector’s importance to the national economy.
MICE tourism remains a key growth segment
MICE and business tourism account for approximately 10% of all tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka and continue to play an important role in the country’s tourism strategy.
From January to the end of May 2026, Sri Lanka welcomed 1,010,807 international visitors, including 245,981 travellers from India. Tourism officials said the figures demonstrate the strong travel demand between the two neighbouring countries and the continued recovery of regional travel flows.
The roadshows highlighted Sri Lanka’s meetings infrastructure, hospitality sector, tourism attractions and event capabilities. Organisers emphasised that the destination is fully prepared to host international conferences, incentive groups, corporate events and business travellers.
A 24-member delegation of Sri Lankan tour operators and hotel representatives participated in the initiative, presenting a range of products and services designed for the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions sector.
Connectivity supports business travel growth
Air connectivity remains a major advantage for Sri Lanka’s business tourism ambitions. SriLankan Airlines currently operates 90 weekly flights connecting Sri Lanka with nine Indian cities. Additional daily services are operated by IndiGo and Air India on routes linking Colombo with Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Chennai.
The programme included business-to-business meetings to facilitate partnerships between Sri Lankan suppliers and Indian buyers, as well as evening networking sessions to strengthen industry relationships.
Delegates also experienced a performance by a Sri Lankan cultural troupe, providing an introduction to the country’s heritage and cultural traditions.
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.”