In a bold step to position itself as South Asia’s leading destination for business events, Sri Lanka has launched a strategic roadshow in Bengaluru to showcase its MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism potential to India’s top corporate stakeholders. The event, hosted at the iconic Taj West End, was led by the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) in partnership with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB).
The roadshow brought together over 100 key decision-makers from India’s corporate travel sector, including MICE planners, travel agents, event organizers, and representatives from industries like IT, pharmaceuticals, finance, and manufacturing. They engaged in one-on-one networking with a high-powered Sri Lankan delegation comprising more than 20 destination management companies, luxury hotels, resorts, and tour operators.
India: A Critical Partner in Sri Lanka’s Tourism Comeback
India continues to be Sri Lanka’s largest source of inbound tourists, accounting for over 204,000 arrivals in the first five months of 2025 alone, according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). The robust travel demand and increasing interest in short-haul business destinations make Indian corporates prime targets for Sri Lanka’s tourism revival strategy.
“India is not just a neighboring market—it’s a strategic partner in Sri Lanka’s economic and tourism growth,” said Mr. Vipula Wanigasekara, Managing Director of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau. “Our roadshow in Bengaluru is part of a larger effort to deepen bilateral cooperation and make Sri Lanka the go-to MICE destination for Indian companies.”
Showcasing Sri Lanka’s Competitive Edge for MICE Tourism
During the event, officials highlighted Sri Lanka’s compelling strengths for MICE travel: excellent flight connectivity with Indian metro cities, state-of-the-art conference venues, luxury resorts with business facilities, and cost-effective travel packages tailored for corporate groups.
Among the top draws are venues like the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall in Colombo, the Cinnamon Grand and Shangri-La Colombo’s ballrooms, and several scenic beachfront properties ideal for retreats and incentive trips.
With direct flights from Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai to Colombo operating daily, event organizers underscored that Sri Lanka is “just over an hour away” from Southern India—making it an ideal quick-access destination for Indian corporates.
Immersive B2B Engagement and Customized Offerings
A major highlight of the Bengaluru roadshow was the intensive B2B session, where Indian MICE planners explored bespoke travel itineraries, venue solutions, and end-to-end logistical support offered by Sri Lankan providers.
“Whether it’s a 20-member leadership retreat or a 1,000-delegate multinational conference, Sri Lanka offers scalable and seamless experiences,” noted Mr. Thilak Weerasinghe, President of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO).
SriLankan Airlines also reported a 30% surge in Indian corporate bookings for MICE-related travel and revealed plans to expand capacity and onboard more travel partners from India.
Beyond Business: The Bleisure Advantage
Sri Lanka’s appeal goes beyond just infrastructure—it lies in the blending of business and leisure, or “bleisure,” a trend increasingly favored by Indian executives. The country’s pristine beaches, UNESCO-listed heritage sites, Ayurveda wellness centers, and eco-adventures offer a refreshing break after corporate events.
“The dual appeal of professional-grade conference facilities and vibrant leisure experiences makes Sri Lanka uniquely positioned to offer holistic MICE experiences,” said a representative from the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.
Aligning Tourism with Regional Economic Growth
The MICE roadshow is part of Sri Lanka’s broader vision to integrate tourism into its national economic development strategy. By boosting high-value tourism from India, the country seeks not just revenue but long-term partnerships, investment flows, and regional cooperation.
The SLCB emphasized that greater corporate engagement also opens avenues for cross-border collaboration in trade, education, technology, and culture—aligned with the shared goals of India’s Act East Policy and Sri Lanka’s Vision 2030 development roadmap.
Next Steps: Expanding Across Indian Metros
Following the success of the Bengaluru event, Sri Lanka is planning similar roadshows in other Indian cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Chennai—each tailored to the regional strengths of corporate India.
Sri Lanka’s tourism authorities aim to continue their momentum with new business promotions, including incentives for group travel, simplified visa facilitation for MICE travelers, and joint marketing campaigns with Indian tour operators.
By aligning strong tourism infrastructure with strategic outreach in India’s corporate travel market, Sri Lanka is setting the stage to become a regional MICE powerhouse. The Bengaluru roadshow is only the beginning of what officials believe will be a new era of cross-border business tourism growth between the two South Asian neighbors.
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