In a major push to cement its position as a leading Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) destination for Indian corporates, Sri Lanka staged a powerful promotional event in Bengaluru. Hosted by the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, the event showcased the island nation’s robust business travel infrastructure and rising potential as a preferred MICE destination in South Asia.
Held at the prestigious Taj West End in Bengaluru, the roadshow brought together more than 100 Indian MICE planners, corporate travel buyers, and decision-makers from sectors such as IT, finance, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. They engaged in direct B2B networking sessions with over 20 Sri Lankan destination management companies (DMCs), luxury hotels, resorts, and event organizers—highlighting Sri Lanka’s readiness to host large-scale business events with personalized service and logistical ease.
Sri Lanka Taps Into India’s Booming Corporate Travel Market
India is currently Sri Lanka’s largest source market for inbound tourism. From January to May 2025 alone, over 204,000 Indian visitors arrived in Sri Lanka—an increase largely driven by the growing outbound corporate segment. With Bengaluru regarded as one of Asia’s most dynamic business travel hubs, Sri Lanka’s strategic presence in the city signals its ambitions to attract a larger share of this high-value segment.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Thisum Jayasuriya, Chairman of the SLCB, emphasized the value of geographic proximity and affordability. “Sri Lanka offers a compelling blend of short-haul convenience, cost-effectiveness, and top-tier event infrastructure. We’re committed to providing seamless experiences for Indian corporates looking for world-class venues, scenic backdrops, and excellent hospitality,” he noted.
Showcasing Sri Lanka’s Competitive Edge in MICE Tourism
During the roadshow, Sri Lankan officials highlighted several MICE-ready features that make the island ideal for business events:
- Proximity: With direct flights from major Indian cities including Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, and Mumbai, Sri Lanka is just 1–3 hours away.
- Modern Infrastructure: Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport has seen major upgrades, including improved MICE lounges and fast-track facilities.
- World-Class Venues: From Colombo’s BMICH Conference Centre to beachfront resorts in Galle and Bentota, Sri Lanka offers versatile event spaces for every type of gathering.
- Affordability: Compared to other Asian MICE destinations, Sri Lanka offers better value for money for accommodation, transport, and event management.
- Natural Appeal: The island’s mix of cultural heritage, nature, and luxury wellness provides opportunities for blending business with leisure—an increasingly important feature in post-pandemic corporate travel.
Facilitating B2B Partnerships and Customized Itineraries
The Bengaluru roadshow served not only as a promotional event but also as a platform for customized engagement. Indian travel planners discussed tailored itineraries, group travel packages, and end-to-end event management solutions directly with Sri Lankan counterparts. From executive retreats to incentive travel, product launches to regional conferences, Sri Lanka’s value proposition was presented in detailed, tangible formats.
SriLankan Airlines, a key partner in the event, also shared insights on rising demand. The airline reported a 30% increase in Indian MICE bookings over the past quarter, with expectations to double that figure in the coming months. With over 100 weekly flights between India and Sri Lanka, air access continues to be a key enabler of MICE growth.
Driving Regional Cooperation Through Tourism
Sri Lanka’s MICE push is aligned with its broader economic strategy to deepen trade and people-to-people ties with India. The event emphasized mutual benefit through shared tourism growth, enhanced connectivity, and bilateral partnerships.
“India is not just our largest tourism market, but our most strategic business partner in the region,” noted a representative from Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. “Strengthening MICE tourism links is about more than just visitor numbers—it’s about cultivating commercial cooperation, building regional trust, and positioning Sri Lanka as an extension of India’s own business landscape.”
Next Steps: MICE Roadshows in More Indian Cities
Following the successful Bengaluru event, Sri Lanka plans to conduct similar MICE-focused roadshows in other Indian cities, including Mumbai, Hyderabad, and New Delhi, targeting verticals such as finance, pharmaceuticals, IT, and automotive.
With rising interest in experiential and high-impact business travel, Sri Lanka is aiming to diversify its tourism economy and extend its appeal beyond leisure tourism into high-yield, year-round corporate travel. The island is also expanding its visa facilitation services, simplifying group travel processes, and offering tailored incentives for large event organizers.
A Promising Outlook for Sri Lanka’s Tourism Revival
As the global MICE industry rebounds, Sri Lanka is strategically positioning itself to capture the Indian market through proactive outreach, strengthened partnerships, and upgraded infrastructure. The Bengaluru MICE roadshow was more than just a promotional event—it was a signal of intent from a nation determined to lead in business tourism across South Asia.
By combining accessibility, affordability, and memorable hospitality experiences, Sri Lanka has laid the groundwork for significant future gains in India’s outbound MICE segment.
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