In an exclusive conversation with Travel Mail, Mr. Darshana Cabraal, Board Director of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, shares Sri Lanka’s ambitious plans for the Indian market in 2026. Also serving on the Executive Committee of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators, Joint Managing Director, Tour Blue Holdings (Pvt.) Limited, and as a member of the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises in Tourism, Mr. Cabraal highlights why India remains Sri Lanka’s most crucial source market.
What are your plans for Sri Lanka Tourism this year, especially in terms of presenting the destination at SATTE? How does the year ahead look?
We see the Indian market as one of our key source markets. In 2026, we are looking at welcoming over 550,000 tourists from India, which is already a substantial contribution to our total arrivals. However, our broader target is ambitious — we are aiming at a minimum of one million Indian tourists to Sri Lanka this year. That would make a great contribution to our economy.
India is truly a neighbour in every sense. More than business, we share a very close, brotherly connection. India has supported Sri Lanka during both good and challenging times, and this relationship goes beyond tourism numbers.
One major advantage Indian travellers have is the visa-free scheme. At the moment, Indians do not require a visa to visit Sri Lanka. They can simply travel with their passport without going through the e-visa process. This ease of travel is a strong driver for growth.
In terms of promotions, we are planning extensive activities across India this year. While major trade exhibitions such as SATTE and OTM remain key platforms for us, we are also focusing on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. We want our message to reach all parts of India, not just the metros. There will be roadshows, promotional events, and targeted campaigns pan-India.
We are also seeing Indian travellers exploring new segments beyond traditional leisure tourism. Weddings, film tourism, MICE, and wellness are emerging strongly. The Indian market is now seeking diverse experiences, and Sri Lanka is well-positioned to cater to these evolving demands.
How significant are the MICE and wedding segments currently, and what are your expectations for this year?
Last year, when we analysed the statistics, we found that MICE, family travel, and individual leisure segments contributed almost equally. Each segment accounted for roughly one-third of Indian arrivals to Sri Lanka.
However, we would like to see stronger growth in the MICE segment this year. Ideally, we are targeting around 40% contribution from corporate and MICE travel, as this segment brings higher volumes and stronger revenue generation. At the same time, we do not want to depend on a single segment.
We believe in maintaining a healthy balance. Unlike some destinations where leisure dominates at 60% or more, the Indian market to Sri Lanka has shown an equal distribution across leisure, MICE, and family segments. This balanced structure is positive for us, and we want to sustain that equilibrium while encouraging higher MICE participation.
Family travel remains equally important. We want more families to visit Sri Lanka and experience what we offer. A diversified portfolio ensures stability and long-term sustainability for our tourism industry.
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