Sri Lanka Strengthens MICE Tourism Ties with India through Successful Bengaluru Roadshow

In a move to reinforce its position as a premier MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination in Asia, the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB), under the aegis of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, recently hosted a MICE Roadshow and press conference at the TAJ Westend in Bengaluru.

This dynamic event marked a pivotal moment in Sri Lanka’s strategic outreach to the Indian market — one of its largest and most influential tourism sources. The roadshow welcomed an impressive turnout of Indian MICE planners, corporate travel specialists, and travel trade partners. Representing Sri Lanka was a strong delegation of officials from the SLCB, 20 Destination Management Companies (catering to both leisure and MICE), leading hotels, resorts, tour operators, and other service providers.

With a core objective of deepening bilateral ties and building long-term partnerships, the roadshow highlighted Sri Lanka’s evolving MICE infrastructure, its diverse tourism offerings, and its readiness to host world-class events. Notably, India has contributed significantly to Sri Lanka’s tourism recovery, with over 204,060 Indian tourists arriving between January and May 2025 alone — a testament to the country’s growing popularity.

Bengaluru was chosen strategically for its potential to generate high-value travel business. By focusing on this key metro, Sri Lanka aimed to strengthen its brand presence in India and position itself as a versatile, year-round MICE destination.

Speaking at the event, Harsha Ruparathne, Acting Deputy High Commissioner at the Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai, underscored the mutual economic benefits of closer tourism ties, citing Sri Lanka’s diversity and proximity as key strengths.

Echoing this sentiment, Dheera Hettiarachchi, Chairman of the SLCB, highlighted the advantages of Sri Lanka as a MICE hub — including cost-efficiency, connectivity, and a growing hospitality infrastructure. Fawzan Fareid, Regional Manager for India, Bangladesh & Nepal at SriLankan Airlines, shared that the airline has seen over 30% growth in MICE travel from India, calling it a “goldmine” that now contributes up to 20% of India’s outbound leisure travel market.

The networking evening served as a valuable platform for meaningful one-on-one interactions, with Sri Lankan tourism representatives providing insights into the latest developments, from streamlined visa processes to upgraded venues and exclusive MICE incentives.

This successful event marks a significant milestone in SLCB’s roadmap to tap into India’s booming outbound travel sector. As air connectivity strengthens and cultural bonds deepen, Sri Lanka is poised to become a leading MICE destination for Indian businesses, planners, and event organizers — bringing the two nations closer through shared experiences and mutual growth.