245,981 Indian Visitors & Counting Sri Lanka Strengthens MICE Footprint Across Key Indian Cities
Sri Lanka strengthens its MICE partnerships with strategic engagement across Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Chennai.
By SOH Edit Team
The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB), operating under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, successfully concluded a series of high-impact MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) Roadshows and Networking Evenings across Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Chennai during the final week of May 2026.
The initiative forms part of Sri Lanka's ongoing strategy to strengthen its position as a preferred MICE destination for the Indian market, one of the country's most significant tourism source markets.
Commenting on the initiative, 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.”
Connecting with India's MICE Ecosystem
The roadshow series commenced in Ahmedabad, followed by Kolkata and Chennai, bringing together key stakeholders from India's MICE and corporate travel ecosystem. The events attracted MICE specialists, wedding planners, professional conference organisers, corporate travel buyers, trade associations and industry influencers.
Designed to foster meaningful engagement, the roadshows provided a platform for Sri Lankan tourism stakeholders to showcase the destination's capabilities while building stronger partnerships with India's outbound MICE sector.
Dheera Hettiarachchi, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau.
India Drives Sri Lanka's Tourism Growth
India remains Sri Lanka's leading tourism source market, contributing significantly to both leisure and business travel segments.
According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), Sri Lanka welcomed 531,511 Indian visitors in 2025, accounting for 22% of the country's total tourist arrivals. The year also marked a historic milestone, recording the highest number of Indian tourist arrivals ever received by Sri Lanka.
Tourism earnings crossed USD 3.2 billion in 2025, underlining the sector's growing contribution to the national economy. The momentum has continued into 2026. Between January and May, Sri Lanka received 1,010,807 international visitors, including 245,981 travellers from India, reaffirming the robust travel demand and strong bilateral connectivity between the neighbouring nations.
Ease of access remains one of Sri Lanka's strongest competitive advantages for the Indian market. SriLankan Airlines currently operates 90 weekly flights connecting Sri Lanka with nine Indian cities. Complementing this network, IndiGo and Air India operate daily services to Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Chennai, ensuring convenient travel options for both business and leisure travellers.
Showcasing Sri Lanka's MICE Infrastructure
The roadshows highlighted Sri Lanka's diverse tourism offerings and reinforced the destination's readiness to host international meetings, incentive groups, conferences and exhibitions.
A 24-member Sri Lankan delegation comprising leading tour operators and hospitality partners participated in the initiative, showcasing the country's modern convention facilities, premium hospitality offerings, unique experiences and diverse destination portfolio.
The events were structured around focused B2B meetings, enabling productive dialogue between Indian buyers and Sri Lankan suppliers. Evening networking sessions further strengthened industry relationships through informal interactions and collaborative discussions.
Adding a cultural dimension to the programme, a Sri Lankan cultural troupe delivered vibrant performances, offering attendees an immersive glimpse into the country's rich heritage and traditions.
With MICE and business tourism accounting for approximately 10% of Sri Lanka's total tourist arrivals, the sector continues to play a vital role in the country's tourism growth strategy. Through targeted market engagement and strengthened industry partnerships, the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau is positioning the destination to capture a larger share of India's expanding outbound MICE market while fostering deeper economic and tourism collaboration between the two nations.
