Long popular with Indian and European travellers, Sri Lanka is now eyeing business events and Asia-Pacific as it rebuilds its tourism sector
Sri Lanka’s strength lies in its diversity – from historical and cultural sites, beautiful beaches and verdant mountains to rich wildlife and eclectic cities.
Accommodation, meeting packages and F&B are attractively priced compared to other business events destinations, although foreigners and locals are charged different fees at some attractions.
With the rise of bleisure travel, the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) says the country is an “attractive destination for MICE travellers, where work can be blended with unique experiences”.
Skyscrapers tower above Colombo and shopping malls draw crowds, even as intriguing temples, local markets and alleys continue to thrill visitors on an exhilarating tuk tuk tour.
The ‘new’ Colombo is seen in ITC Ratnadipa, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Colombo, and 687-key Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams. When the mall, casino and Nuwa hotel open in 3Q2025, it will be South Asia’s biggest integrated resort.
“Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams is designed to seamlessly host large-scale events while offering diverse breakout spaces and personalised experiences,” said Alessandro Aldo Cabella, senior vice president & general manager, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams.
“This integrated approach positions us as a premier destination for MICE in South Asia, capable of balancing scale with exceptional service.”
Besides India, the Middle East and Europe, new markets targeted this year are Singapore, Malaysia, and China.
Meanwhile, ITC Ratnadipa draws meetings and conferences from South and South-east Asia and the Middle East, especially two- and three-day residential events. The 30-storey hotel has 352 rooms and suites, as well as event facilities comprising a ballroom (divisible into three), four meeting rooms and two large outdoor venues.
Colombo being the international gateway, most incentive itineraries feature a ‘city and country’ combination, either heading towards the centre or south.
Central attractions include UNESCO World Heritage Sites Anuradhapura – famed for its Buddhist stupas and statues – and ‘Lion Rock’ Sigiriya – an imposing backdrop for photos, but too time-consuming to climb.
An early-evening, safari-style drive to Minneriya National Park reveals peacocks, painted storks and the highlight – elephants chomping or walking mere metres from the jeeps.
Next, Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth Relic provides both spiritual and scenic experiences. A special treat is being able to visit the Elephant Stables and feed the ‘Royal Tuskers’.
The other main attraction in central Sri Lanka is Nuwara Eliya for its many tea plantations. Some allow small groups to meander among the bushes, watching workers deftly pluck tea leaves, and even try their hand at this. Tea factory tours usually explain the varieties and production process, followed by tea-tasting and purchasing.
Southern itineraries usually take in Galle and Bentota, the former for its heritage buildings like the fort, clock tower, lighthouse and quaint shopping streets, and the latter for its beaches.
While both cities have old-world and new-build hotels, capacities are relatively small. But a unique experience is NH Bentota Ceysands Resort, located on a peninsula and accessed by a short boat ride. It offers beach dinners with tiki torches and décor, and small-group sunset pontoon tours with cocktails and snacks.
Sustainability being an important consideration, big DMCs/PCOs like Aitken Spence Travels have introduced conservation measures under a “Travel Kindly” theme. Community awareness programmes include sourcing gift-packs and woven bags from SMEs and featuring traditional arts and crafts on tours.
On a bleisure trip to Sri Lanka last November, the 20-member Singapore Press Club (SPC) delegation saw the country’s potential through the places visited, officials they met and meals savoured.
“We came back with a better understanding of the country and aspirations of its hardworking and friendly people,” said Bhagman Singh, SPC vice president and chair of the goodwill mission organising committee.
“Official meetings highlighted directions being taken to attract foreign investment, engage with international partners and get more tourists to visit the country and enjoy the varied holiday offerings.”
In February 2025, Sri Lanka also launched its Conference Ambassador Programme (SLCAP), a joint initiative by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, SLCB, and SriLankan Airlines, to attract international conferences and boost economic growth, sustainability, and knowledge exchange.
Twenty-five ambassadors, representing various business sectors that host international conferences, are already on board.
SLCAP will continue to identify and support other local association leaders and business events professionals well-known in their fields, providing them with the resources and tools needed to attract international conferences to the country.
