By Biju Thomas, Senior Editor from Sri Lanka
SriLankan Airlines, the national carriers of Sri Lanka in association with the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau and SriLankan Holidays organised a Familiarisation Tour for a media group from Chennai, India. An eight-member press team, representing prominent media houses such as Deccan Chronicle, Tourism India, Surya TV, Manorama Online, Mathrubhumi Online, DT Next and Provoke Magazine, participated in the programme. The tour provided the journalists with a truly immersive experience, offering them a firsthand look at the vibrant culture, diverse landscapes and the rich heritage of Sri Lanka. This hands-on journey allowed the press team to deeply engage with the island’s tourism offerings, enabling them to explore and report on the unique charm and potential of the destination from an insider’s perspective.
The six-day FAM Tour provided an enriching and unforgettable experience for the journalists, offering them an in-depth understanding of the wide range of MICE and leisure programmes that Sri Lanka, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, has to offer.
Throughout the tour, the press team explored various venues, attractions, and services tailored for business travellers and leisure tourists alike. From state-of-the-art conference facilities and luxury resorts to captivating cultural experiences and breathtaking natural beauty, the tour showcased how Sri Lanka seamlessly blends professional engagements with relaxation and exploration. This immersive journey revealed the full potential of the island as a premier destination for both MICE events and leisure travel, leaving a lasting impression on the visiting journalists.
Sri Lanka, with its rich cultural heritage, pristine natural landscapes and strategic geographical location, has long positioned tourism as a vital pillar of its economy. A significant portion of the country’s GDP is driven by this thriving sector, where the island’s unique offerings captivate travellers from around the globe. Sri Lanka’s cultural legacy, from ancient temples to vibrant festivals, stands as a testament to centuries of history, while its unspoiled natural beauty, ranging from golden beaches to lush rainforests, draws visitors in search of tranquillity and adventure.
In its efforts to bolster tourism, Sri Lanka has increasingly focused on India as a key source market, recognising the vast potential of its neighbour. The country’s culinary delights, known for their bold flavours and fragrant spices, coupled with the renowned warmth and hospitality of its people, create an inviting atmosphere for Indian tourists. From business conferences and leisure travel to weddings and spiritual retreats, Sri Lanka offers an array of experiences that cater to the diverse interests of Indian travellers. By selling this harmonious blend of culture, nature, and modern conveniences, Sri Lanka continues to deepen its connection with India, ensuring that the tourism sector flourishes as a vital contributor to its economic growth.
Sri Lanka has strategically positioned itself as a natural transit hub within the Indian subcontinent, offering seamless connectivity for international travellers journeying from India to destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, the Far East, Australia, New Zealand, North America, Canada and Africa. Its geographic location, combined with the efficiency and comfort of its national carrier, SriLankan Airlines, makes it an ideal stopover point for Indian passengers.
According to Mr. Richard Nuttall, the CEO of SriLankan Airlines, India remains the airline’s largest source market and there is a growing focus on attracting more Indian travellers to utilise Sri Lanka as a convenient gateway to international destinations. By providing smooth connections, competitive fares, and exceptional in-flight service, SriLankan Airlines aims to enhance the travel experience for passengers embarking on long-haul flights. The airline’s strategy also capitalises on the strong historical, cultural, and economic ties between the two countries, ensuring that Indian travellers find Sri Lanka not only as a destination of interest but also as a key transit hub for their global journeys.
This emphasis on building transit traffic further reinforces Sri Lanka’s role in the international aviation sector, offering Indian travellers greater accessibility to major global markets while simultaneously boosting the island nation’s own tourism and hospitality industries.
International hotel chains and renowned brands such as Heritance, DoubleTree by Hilton, Shangri-La, Sheraton, Taj and others boast exceptional properties in some of the most stunning locations across the Pearl of the Indian Ocean. These luxurious hotels are not only designed to offer world-class experiences to leisure travellers but are also well-equipped to meet the growing MICE tourism demands from Indian groups. With their state-of-the-art facilities, top-tier service and prime locations, these hotels are perfectly positioned to cater to the needs of business events, conferences, and incentive travel, ensuring seamless and memorable experiences for Indian travellers and corporate groups alike.
According to Mr. Suresh Athukorala, the General Manager of Heritance Ahungalla, the hotel is placing a strong emphasis on destination wedding programmes for Indian groups. Since the pandemic, they have successfully hosted numerous events and the property is fully prepared to continue delivering unforgettable wedding experiences. With its picturesque location and exceptional service, Heritance Ahungalla is becoming a preferred venue for Indian couples seeking a dream wedding in Sri Lanka.
The media tour took the press team along the scenic southern coastal belt of Sri Lanka, beginning in Negombo and weaving through some of the island’s most captivating destinations. The journey started in Negombo, a coastal town known for its vibrant lagoon and sandy beaches, where the team was introduced to the region’s rich fishing heritage and lively markets.
From there, they travelled to Bentota, famous for its pristine beaches, water sports and luxury resorts, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. The tour continued to the historic city of Galle, where the press team explored the iconic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvelled at the stunning architecture and colonial charm nestled against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean.
The team had an exhilarating experience with water sports on the Bentota River, organised by the Malu Banna group, setting the tone for an adventure-packed journey. The excitement continued as the press team ventured on a thrilling safari through Udawalawe National Park, accompanied by Mr. Krishantha Fernando, General Manager of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau. They explored the park’s rich biodiversity, witnessing elephants and other wildlife amidst breathtaking natural scenery.
Next on the itinerary was Hambantota, a rapidly developing region known for its expanding tourism infrastructure, abundant wildlife parks, and close proximity to natural attractions like Yala National Park. The team was captivated by the region’s untamed beauty and wildlife.
The tour concluded in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital, where the group immersed themselves in the city’s dynamic blend of modernity and tradition. They explored historic landmarks, bustling shopping districts, and key cultural attractions, leaving with an unforgettable experience of Colombo’s lively atmosphere and charm.
The journey along this southern coastal stretch offered the media group a diverse experience, showcasing Sri Lanka’s breathtaking beauty, rich history and the harmonious balance between nature and modern development.
The press team visited Colombo Port City, where they explored the vast potential for investment opportunities within the Special Economic Zone. The visit provided insights into the city’s ambitious development plans and its appeal as a thriving hub for international business and investment.
The journalists were warmly welcomed by Mrs. Malkanthi Welikala, Manager of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, Mrs. Virazmi Aher, Manager of SriLankan Holidays and Dimuthu Tennakoon, Head of Worldwide Sales and Distribution at SriLankan Airlines. The tour highlighted the exceptional local expertise in managing Indian tourists, with many professionals demonstrating fluency in several Indian languages. This was further exemplified by Mr. Arunachalam Manoharan, an official guide with Sri Lanka Tourism, whose language skills greatly enhanced the experience for the visiting press team.
