- New direct Ahmedabad–Colombo connectivity opens a gateway to beaches, heritage, wildlife and wellness
- Sri Lanka woos Gujarat with free visa access, faster travel and tailor-made experiences
- 46 Lankan tourism companies showcase holiday, wedding, MICE and luxury offerings
- Indian travellers remain the backbone of Sri Lanka’s record-breaking tourism resurgence
- Roadshow sparks fresh partnerships between Gujarat’s travel trade and Sri Lankan tourism leaders
R MANICKAVASAGAM
AHMEDABAD, JUNE 21
For Gujaratis whose hearts beat for exploration, family vacations, spiritual discovery and unforgettable global experiences, Sri Lanka is positioning itself as the perfect overseas getaway—close to home yet rich in culture, nature and adventure. With enhanced air connectivity, visa-friendly travel and a bouquet of experiences ranging from golden beaches and ancient heritage sites to wildlife safaris and wellness retreats, the island nation has launched an aggressive outreach campaign to make Gujarat one of its fastest-growing tourism markets.
In a major push to strengthen tourism ties, the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), in association with the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai, hosted an exclusive Travel Trade Roadshow and Networking Evening at Crowne Plaza Ahmedabad. The event brought together leading tourism stakeholders, airlines, tour operators, hospitality brands and travel agents from both Sri Lanka and Gujarat to unlock new opportunities for bilateral tourism growth.
The roadshow witnessed participation from Prashant Madlani, Chairman, Gujarat Chapter of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI); Shreeram Patel, Secretary General of TAAI; Ronak Shah, National Managing Committee Member of TAFI; Munjal Filler, President of the Tour Operators and Travel Agents Association of Gujarat (TAG); Nalin Jayasundera, President of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) and Board Member of SLTPB; Fawzan Fareid, Regional Manager–India, Bangladesh & Nepal, SriLankan Airlines; Suman Udhayakumaran, Sales Manager–Maharashtra & Gujarat, SriLankan Airlines; and Imthiyas Munshi, Sales Manager, FitsAir.
With India remaining Sri Lanka’s largest source market, the island nation welcomed a record 2.3 million international visitors in 2025, including more than 531,000 Indian travellers, accounting for nearly 23 per cent of total arrivals. Sri Lanka is now targeting over 3 million international visitors in 2026, and Gujarat is emerging as a key contributor to that ambition.
Describing the significance of the Ahmedabad engagement, Nalin Jayasundera said: “Today is a very significant day for Sri Lanka Tourism and travel agents in Gujarat due to the new direct flight. Connectivity is now much easier, with 140 flights operated from 10 cities in India. Travellers can enjoy a free visa and an easy process, with ETAs available within 24 hours. All types of food, including Jain and vegetarian, are available in Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan destination management companies are flexible, understand the Indian mentality, and easily handle last-minute reservations. Clients are rarely unhappy in Sri Lanka because they receive high-quality service at a very attractive price. Sri Lanka is a very safe destination, making it ideal for families, weddings, MICE, and sports, such as organising cricket matches for clubs and schools.”
Highlighting the importance of enhanced connectivity, Munjal Filler said: “Sri Lanka’s new direct air links from Ahmedabad are being presented as a meaningful boost for travel, trade, and regional connectivity.”
He added: “The route will reduce dependence on Middle East transit hubs, open easier access for leisure travellers, and strengthen movement for NRIs and international passengers.”
Officials noted that Ahmedabad’s growing prosperity, rising international travel aspirations and increasing demand for short-haul foreign holidays make Gujarat one of India’s most promising outbound tourism markets. The roadshow featured destination presentations, one-to-one business meetings, networking sessions, media interactions and captivating Sri Lankan cultural performances, allowing local travel professionals to directly engage with tourism suppliers from the island nation.
From UNESCO-recognised heritage landmarks and misty tea estates to luxury resorts, wellness retreats, national parks and pristine coastlines, Sri Lanka continues to offer a remarkable blend of experiences within a compact geography. Tourism leaders believe that strengthened partnerships with Gujarat’s travel fraternity, coupled with improved air access, will accelerate visitor growth and deepen people-to-people ties between the two destinations.
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