Sri Lanka increases tourism outreach in Kerala as Indian arrivals rise
The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau held business meetings in three Kerala cities to tap into the growing Indian market.
Sri Lanka is expanding its tourism marketing in Kerala following a rise in Indian visitors to the island nation, according to BusinessLine.
Indian arrivals reached 5,31,511 last year, making India the largest source market for the country. By October 22, 2026, Indian visitors numbered 4,82,944, representing 26.6 per cent of all international tourist arrivals.
The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) organised business-to-business meetings in Kochi, Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram. These sessions included trade interactions and destination presentations to build business partnerships and travel itineraries.
SLTPB Managing Director Sanjaya Niroshana said India is a key market and direct engagement with regional travel partners can create more opportunities for visitors. Presentations highlighted the country's wildlife, beaches, wellness, adventure, and cultural heritage.
Fawzan Fareid, Regional Manager for India, Bangladesh and Nepal at SriLankan Airlines, said air connectivity allows operators to create packages for different interests. The airline reported 89 weekly flights.
SLTPB Assistant Director Shirani Herath said the three-city programme aimed to expand cooperation with the travel trade in Kerala and increase destination awareness.