In a bid to deepen engagement with the Indian travel trade, the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB), in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai, is set to organise two MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) roadshows and evening networking sessions in Hyderabad and Bengaluru on 1 and 3 July, respectively.
The Hyderabad event will be held at Taj Krishna, while the Bengaluru leg will take place at Taj West End. Both gatherings aim to strengthen Sri Lanka’s MICE tourism appeal in India, which remains its leading source market. From January to 31 May 2025, Sri Lanka recorded over 1 million tourist arrivals, of which more than 204,000 were from India.
With tourism earnings surpassing USD 1.54 billion in the first half of the year, the roadshows are part of Sri Lanka’s broader plan to reinforce its presence among Indian MICE travellers. The country benefits from excellent air connectivity, with SriLankan Airlines operating 90 weekly flights across nine Indian cities. IndiGo and Air India also maintain daily flights to Hyderabad and Bengaluru.
The two-city initiative will include presentations by a 20-member Sri Lankan delegation comprising tour operators and hoteliers. The events are tailored to engage Indian MICE planners, media, corporate buyers, and trade associations, and will also include cultural performances and press interactions to boost visibility.
“Sri Lanka is an excellent MICE destination due to its proximity and strong connectivity, making it a cost-effective and appealing option,” said Dheera Hettiarachchi, Chairman, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau.
Highlighting the wider strategic context, Malkanthi Welikala, Manager – Marketing, SLCB, added, “The roadshows will help build momentum for the 5th Edition of the Sri Lanka MICE Expo, set to take place in Colombo this September.”
