Sri Lanka Tourism Hosts Networking Event in Kolkata to Boost Indian Engagement

Sri Lanka Tourism Hosts Networking Event in Kolkata to Boost Indian Engagement

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on July 12, 2024

Sri Lanka Tourism, in partnership with the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), hosted a networking event on a cruise over the Ganges River in Kolkata on July 10, 2024. The event aimed to highlight Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage and diverse natural landscapes to Kolkata's travel trade and media professionals, fostering new business partnerships and reshaping perceptions of the island nation.

Prominent figures such as Thisum Jayasuriya, Chairman of the SLCB, and Manav Soni, Chairman of the Eastern Region Chapter of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), were present. They, along with other industry leaders, emphasized the importance of the event in strengthening the tourism ties between Sri Lanka and India.

The event was part of the campaign “Sri Lanka – You’ll Come Back for More,” designed to entice Indian travelers by showcasing Sri Lanka’s diverse tourism offerings. Around 300 of Kolkata’s travel agents and media representatives interacted with a 25-member delegation from Sri Lanka, including destination management companies, hotels, resorts, and tour operators.

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India is a vital market for Sri Lanka, with nearly 200,000 Indian tourists visiting so far this year. The extended visa-free entry for Indian nationals is expected to boost these numbers, setting new records in 2024. Sri Lanka Tourism remains committed to providing the best tourist experiences, assuring Indian tourists and investors of their readiness to welcome them with necessary safety and security measures in place.

Sri Lanka is aggressively targeting the Indian market with B2B roadshows in cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, Cochin, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Pune, Mumbai, and New Delhi. These efforts are complemented by participation in major travel trade shows like the Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) in Mumbai and the South Asia Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE) in New Delhi. Additional roadshows in Tier-II markets are planned for September 2024.

Honorable Minister Harin Fernando expressed gratitude to India for its consistent support of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector. He highlighted Sri Lanka’s progress as a middle-income nation with strong economic indicators. In 2023, tourism earnings exceeded $2 billion, and by April 2024, revenues had already surpassed $1.25 billion. The goal for 2024 is to attract 2.5 million tourists, supported by the global marketing campaign “You’ll Come Back for More.”

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Chalaka D. Gajabahu, Chairman of the SLTPB, emphasized the growth of tourism beyond beach attractions to include sports, culture, spirituality, and history. The strategic marketing efforts in India are aimed at increasing tourist arrivals and reinforcing the connection between the two countries.

Thisum Jayasuriya, Chairman of the SLCB, highlighted Sri Lanka’s emergence as a preferred destination for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events. Enhanced venues and accessibility have made Sri Lanka an attractive location for corporate events. The MICE sector saw significant success with the third MICE expo in May 2024, featuring 100 international buyers and 113 local suppliers. India remains a key market for MICE travel, with expectations for significant revenue growth in this segment.

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The networking evening in Kolkata showcased Sri Lanka’s stunning landscapes, vibrant cultural heritage, and welcoming atmosphere through discussions and presentations. Attendees experienced Sri Lanka’s varied attractions, from pristine beaches to ancient temples, marking a new chapter of tourism excellence for the island nation.

About Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) is the official government agency responsible for marketing and promoting Sri Lanka's travel and tourism sector. Working with various stakeholders, the SLTPB aims to position Sri Lanka as a premier tourist destination, highlighting its unique cultural and natural attractions. The bureau's efforts focus on both local and international markets, driving tourism development and fostering sustainable growth in the industry.

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IndiGo Launches Direct Flights Between Delhi and Manchester

IndiGo Launches Direct Flights Between Delhi and Manchester

By Hariharan U

Published on November 19, 2025

IndiGo, India’s preferred airline, has launched direct flights between Delhi and Manchester, starting 15th November 2025. This follows the airline’s successful first long-haul route connecting Mumbai to Manchester earlier this year.

The new 5x weekly service is operated on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, leased from Norse Atlantic Airways. The plane offers a two-class cabin with 56 IndiGoStretch seats and 282 Economy Class seats, ensuring comfort for long-haul travellers.

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), one of India’s top global gateways, now hosts IndiGo’s long-haul operations from the capital. On the UK side, Manchester Airport serves as a key hub, providing easy connections to Northern English cities including Leeds, Liverpool, and Newcastle.

By linking Delhi and Manchester, IndiGo aims to boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between India and the UK, making international travel faster and more convenient.

Flight Schedule (Effective 15 November 2025)

Delhi to Manchester

  • Flight No.: 6E 0033

  • Days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday

  • Departure: 04:05 (local time)

  • Arrival: 09:30 (local time)

Manchester to Delhi

  • Flight No.: 6E 0034

  • Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

  • Departure: 11:15 (local time)

  • Arrival: 02:10 (+1, next day)

Note: All timings are in local time zones; +1 indicates arrival the next day.

About IndiGo
IndiGo is India’s preferred carrier and one of the fastest-growing airlines globally. Focused on affordability, punctuality, and hassle-free travel, the airline operates 2,300+ daily flights across 90+ domestic and 40+ international destinations. With a fleet of over 400 aircraft, IndiGo inducted 58 aircraft in 2024 and served 118 million passengers in FY25. It was also named ‘Best Airline in India and South Asia’ by Skytrax at the 2025 World Airline Awards.

For more details, visit www.goindigo.in or download the IndiGo mobile app.

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Cox & Kings Unveils ‘Winter Tales of Europe’ as Indians Choose Offbeat Winter Destinations

By Hariharan U

Published on November 19, 2025

As Europe settles into its most scenic season, Indian travellers are increasingly looking beyond the usual winter hotspots. This year, Central and Eastern Europe have become strong favourites, leading Cox & Kings to introduce its new ‘Winter Tales of Europe’ collection. The series focuses on handpicked journeys through quieter, cultural, and lesser-explored regions, offering an intimate view of Europe away from the typical tourist trails.

Booking patterns show a clear trend: places like Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary, and Bulgaria are seeing higher demand among Indian travellers. These destinations offer a mix of heritage, calm winter beauty, and good value. From snow-covered old towns to peaceful mountains and festive markets without long queues, the region appeals to travellers seeking a more soulful winter holiday.

The new itineraries, ‘Eastern Wonders: A Winter Tale’, ‘Essence of Europe: Winter Journey’, and ‘Passionate Europe: A Winter Tale’, have been curated to highlight the slower and more immersive side of Europe. While winter does bring affordability with airfares and stays dropping up to 40% across Europe between November and March, Cox & Kings says the real focus is on meaningful experiences rather than seasonal discounts.

"There's a kind of quiet grandeur to Europe in winter especially in the regions that aren't yet overrun by tourism," says Karan Agarwal, Director, Cox & Kings. "Our Winter Tales itineraries bring that to life for travellers who want to go beyond the obvious and experience Europe as it truly feels to locals."

The Winter Tales series is open to a wide range of travellers: families looking for festive breaks, honeymooners, solo travellers joining group departures, senior explorers, and all-women groups under Cox & Kings’ Group Inclusive Tours (GIT) format. There is also flexibility for travellers who prefer independent travel, as the itineraries can be customised. Bookings for these journeys remain open until mid-March 2026.

About Cox & Kings
Cox & Kings is the world’s first and one of the most iconic travel houses, with a legacy of over 260 years. Established in 1758, it has been a pioneer in global travel across leisure, business, and specialised segments. Known for its deep expertise and curated experiences, the brand continues to guide generations of travellers with a blend of tradition, innovation, and customer-first hospitality.

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Andaman Tourism to Host ‘Island Trekking Festival’ at Mount Manipur on November 15

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By MAnu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 16, 2025

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands government is set to host an ‘Island Trekking Festival’ at Mount Manipur on November 15, aiming to promote eco-adventure tourism and encourage local youth participation. Organised by the Tourism Department with support from the Environment and Forests Department and MY Bharat, the event highlights the islands’ natural beauty and historical legacy.

A tourism department official stated that the festival seeks to inspire youth to take up eco-guiding and adventure guiding as viable paths for self-employment, aligning with the administration’s vision of sustainable tourism development. Participation will be limited to 50 individuals, including local youth, trekking enthusiasts, tour operators, and tourists. The first 50 registered participants will be selected for the trek, and all will receive participation certificates from the Tourism Department.

Mount Manipur, formerly known as Mount Harriet, is the third-highest peak in the Andaman archipelago and one of its most scenic and historically significant trekking routes. The site carries deep historical importance, following the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891, Maharaja Kulachandra Singh and 22 freedom fighters were exiled to the Andaman Islands.

To honour their bravery, Union Home Minister Amit Shah renamed Mount Harriet as Mount Manipur during his 2021 visit to the islands. In recognition of this history, the Tourism Department chose the location as the venue for the Island Trekking Festival, merging adventure with remembrance.

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