Tourism News

Sri Lanka makes a sensational appearance at OTM and SATTE 2025 in India

( Posted on March 14, 2025 )

Starting its promotional work for 2025, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) added another feather into its cap of endorsements, by being recognized as the most innovative Tourism Board promotion in Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) . In parallel to that, several other sub events were held. The OTM was held in Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai—India, from 30th January to 01st February 2025.Before OTM, the Global Village – Global Exchange & Trade Exhibition was held at the Surat International Exhibition & Convention Centre , Sarsana, Surat (Gujarat - India , from 25th to 27th January 2025. This travel fair was organized by Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI).

Sri Lanka participated in both OTM and South Asia’s Travel & Tourism Exchange (SATTE), held from 19th – 21st Feb 2025, in New Delhi, India . This was an excellent opportunity for Sri Lanka to promote it’s potential as a unique travel destination, especially for the Indian counterparts, as SLTPB has identified India as the number one source market for Sri Lanka, tourism bringing the largest number of tourist arrivals to the destination.

SLTPB has been a regular member of both OTM and SATTE trade fairs in India, thus as a regular participant SLTPB has many Trade and Industrial experiences with the Indian community. Sri Lanka participated in the 26th OTM travel and trade fair 2025, making it a long-lasting relationship with its neighbor in this segment. OTM is the largest travel trade show in India, connecting the global travel fraternity for more than two decades and also the only travel show in India with a balanced mix of travel trade and corporate sector. It is also considered as a platform to expand MICE Tourism and lure more International Industry stakeholders under its wing. OTM is the leading travel trade show in the Asia-Pacific as well.

This time for the OTM , Sri Lanka participated with 72 leading travel and tourism companies to complete the large delegation. Mr. Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, and other officials of Sri Lanka Tourism and Sri Lankan Airlines participated. The Sri Lanka pavilion stood out as the largest among the international exhibitors, with 360 sqm. The main purpose of this participation was to create general awareness about Sri Lanka, including the niche products of Sri Lanka. The Karunadasa Olaboduwawa Dance Troupe added more glamour to the event, by mesmerizing onlookers with their beautiful performances.

Shortly after, SLTPB also participated at the South Asia’s Travel & Tourism Exchange(SATTE) 2025, held at the Yashobhoomi, Convention and Exhibition Centre (IICC), New Delhi | 19th – 21st Feb. 2025. Chairman, SLTPB, Mr. Buddhika Hewawasam addressed the gathering of Tour operators who were present, and highlighted upon the importance of India as Sri Lanka’s leading source market. The Sri Lankan delegation at SATTE included 70 companies. Sri Lanka’s SATTE participation was further adorned with the breathtaking performances of Channa –Upuli Performing Arts Foundation. The rich Sri Lankan culture and heritage was specially highlighted with these performances and attracted the crowd to the fullest extent. Sri Lanka’s presence at the SATTE Exhibition has always been a crowd puller as it has been a frequent member of the event.

Sub Events in which Sri Lanka participated

SLTPB also participated at the Sri Lanka & NFDC film festival in Mumbai, which was held from 1st to 5th February 2025. The opening ceremony was held on the 1st of February, amidst the presence of distinguished guests including Mr. Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism, Ms. Shirani Ariyarathne, Acting Consul General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai, and.Ms. Taranjit Kaur, an actress known for her roles in Award winning Indian films, honored the occasion as the Chief Guest.

Sri Lanka’s participation further saw a meeting held between the officials of Sri Lanka Tourism, the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai, and with the Chancellor and the officials of the Somaiya Vidhyavihar University (SVU) followed by the Sri Lanka Cultural and Educational Cooperation Event at the SVU on 29th January 2025 in Mumbai, India.

An Interactive Session with the Sri Lankan hoteliers and the Wedding Planners where SLTPB participated took place in Mumbai on 31st January 2025. The 10 Co-exhibitors and SriLankan Airlines at the Sri Lanka stand had the opportunity to network with tour operators, and wedding planners from Gujarat, at the Global Village held in Surat, India, on 26th January 2025.

Sri Lanka also attended the Event on Cine Locales: Bringing Local Destinations & Locations to Indian Cinema on 30th January 2025 at Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, on Sri Lanka Tourism for broad long-term synergy for Film Shoot and Film Tourism promotion.

Sri Lanka ‘s participation at all events held in India, concluded on a successful note, including the main events as OTM and SATTE, bringing in fruitful discussions and promising business prospects as results. This also enhanced the cultural and bilateral ties between the two destinations. It will not only encourage more Indian tourist arrivals, but also create a platform to coordinate with the Indian Industry stakeholders and expand their network from India in many business aspects. Further sealing its position as the number one spot in the destinations top ten source markets, Sri Lanka has received 89,626 Indian tourist arrivals from 1st January to March 09th, 2025.