Kochi, Kerala | 28 October 2026
Strengthening its engagement with India’s travel and tourism industry, the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) hosted the Sri Lanka Tourism B2B Roadshow & Networking Evening – Kerala Series 2026 at Ramada by Wyndham, Kochi, on 28 October 2026. The event brought together Sri Lankan tourism representatives, Indian travel professionals, industry associations and media representatives to explore new opportunities for destination promotion and bilateral tourism cooperation.
The Kochi edition focused on building stronger connections between Sri Lanka’s tourism industry and India’s travel trade, creating opportunities for direct business engagement and increasing awareness of the island nation’s tourism experiences. The programme combined B2B meetings, media interactions, destination presentations and cultural performances, offering participants multiple avenues to engage with Sri Lanka as a tourism destination.
The dedicated B2B sessions enabled Indian travel agents and tour operators to interact with Sri Lankan tourism partners, exchange market perspectives and explore opportunities to develop and promote travel itineraries. The media networking session provided a separate platform for engagement with journalists and media professionals, supporting destination visibility and encouraging wider awareness of Sri Lanka’s tourism offerings among Indian audiences.
The official programme commenced with the national anthems of India and Sri Lanka, followed by the traditional lighting of the oil lamp and a token of appreciation ceremony. These proceedings reflected the longstanding friendship and cultural ties between the two countries.
Ms. Heshani Kaushalya, First Secretary (Commerce) at the Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Chennai, delivered the welcome address. Mr. Sanjaya Niroshana, Managing Director of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, subsequently presented Sri Lanka’s tourism offerings, highlighting the importance of closer cooperation with Indian travel trade partners in expanding destination promotion and creating new opportunities for tourism growth.
The event also featured participation from prominent representatives of Kerala’s travel and tourism industry. Mr. Paulose K. Mathew, Managing Committee Member of the Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI), Kerala Chapter; Mr. K. N. Shastry, former Chairman of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), Kerala; and Mr. Johnson Manish, Secretary of the Tourism Professionals Club (TPC), Kerala, addressed the gathering. Their participation highlighted the value of collaboration between destination authorities and regional travel trade organisations in strengthening tourism networks and developing new business opportunities.
Air connectivity and destination accessibility were also highlighted during the programme. Mr. Arfaz Nuwaiz, Manager at SriLankan Airlines, delivered an airline presentation accompanied by a promotional video, outlining the role of air travel in connecting Indian travellers with Sri Lanka. A destination video by SLTPB offered further insights into the country’s tourism appeal, showcasing its landscapes, cultural attractions and varied travel experiences.
With its combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage and diverse holiday experiences, Sri Lanka continues to offer considerable appeal to Indian travellers. From coastal escapes and wildlife experiences to heritage tourism, Ayurveda and wellness, adventure travel, luxury stays, family holidays, honeymoons and spiritual journeys, the destination caters to a broad range of travel interests. Its proximity to India and air connectivity further support its appeal for both short holidays and extended travel.
Cultural performances added a distinctive element to the evening, introducing participants to Sri Lanka’s artistic traditions and complementing the programme’s focus on closer people-to-people connections between the two countries.
The formal proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks by Ms. Shirani Herath, Assistant Director of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. A group photograph, raffle draw and networking dinner followed, allowing participants to continue discussions and strengthen professional connections in an informal setting.
The Kochi roadshow represents part of SLTPB’s broader efforts to strengthen Sri Lanka’s position in the Indian tourism market through sustained engagement with regional travel trade networks, industry associations and the media. By bringing destination representatives and Indian tourism professionals together, the Kerala Series 2026 aims to encourage greater business collaboration, support destination awareness and create new avenues for travel between India and Sri Lanka.