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.


Emirates Celebrates 25 Years of Operations in Chennai

Emirates Celebrates 25 Years of Operations in Chennai

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 3, 2025

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has completed 25 years of operations in Chennai, a key hub in its South India network. Since launching its first flight on 1 September 2000, the airline has carried more than 10.7 million passengers on over 38,000 flights between Dubai and Chennai.

The milestone celebration was joined by Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, while Chennai International Airport commemorated the occasion with a water cannon salute for the arrival of EK544.

Mohammad SarhanVice President, Emirates – India and Nepal, said, “We are delighted to celebrate 25 years of service to Chennai and connecting its people to our global network. We would like to thank M.K Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, for joining us in our celebration, marking an important partnership that has grown from strength to strength over the years. The unwavering support of the authorities and all local stakeholders has been invaluable to the success of our operations and we extend our sincere gratitude on the occasion.”

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Over the past two and a half decades, Emirates has enhanced Chennai’s global connectivity by providing access to its network across six continents. The airline has enabled businesses to expand into new markets and supported demand from business travellers, leisure passengers, and the visiting friends and relatives segment. Popular destinations for passengers from Chennai include New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Washington D.C., Dallas, Boston, Seattle, Paris, London, Manchester, and Frankfurt.

Emirates also carries significant inbound traffic into Chennai, particularly from Kuwait and North America. On the cargo front, Emirates SkyCargo has played a vital role in trade, transporting high-value and time-sensitive commodities such as fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and engineering goods. In the last financial year alone, it uplifted 19,300 tonnes of cargo from Chennai, creating export opportunities for local farmers, manufacturers, and businesses.

Travellers continue to experience Emirates’ signature Fly Better service, featuring fully enclosed First Class suites, direct aisle access in Business Class, and award-winning inflight entertainment with over 6,500 channels. The airline also offers regionally inspired cuisine, including vegan options, paired with curated wine and beverage selections.

As Emirates celebrates 25 years in Chennai, it reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening global connectivity, supporting industries, and contributing to the city’s role as a vital gateway for South India.


SpiceJet Launches Paperless Boarding at Shillong Airport

SpiceJet Launches Paperless Boarding at Shillong Airport

By Hariharan U

Published on August 27, 2025

SpiceJet has taken a pioneering step towards digital innovation and eco-friendly travel by becoming the first airline in India to roll out paperless boarding at Shillong Airport. Passengers checking in at the airport counter will now receive their boarding passes directly on WhatsApp, eliminating the need for printed copies.

This new feature aims to make the check-in process faster, greener, and more seamless. By reducing reliance on paper, the initiative also aligns with SpiceJet’s commitment to sustainability.

Despite the availability of web check-in and Digi Yatra, Indian airports still printed more than 9 million boarding passes in June 2025, resulting in nearly 6 tonnes of carbon emissions. SpiceJet’s move directly addresses this avoidable footprint, setting a new standard for environmentally conscious aviation practices.

The paperless boarding feature is powered by SpiceJet’s indigenously developed Web Departure Control System (WEBDCS)- a browser-based platform that enables airport staff to issue:

Digital boarding passes via WhatsApp or email

Baggage tags via SMS

This system works on tablets as well as standard airport computers, ensuring smooth operations while enhancing efficiency.

Speaking on the milestone, GP Gupta, Chief Strategy Officer, SpiceJet, said, “At SpiceJet, we are constantly working to enhance the travel experience for our passengers while embracing sustainability. The introduction of paperless boarding at Shillong Airport is a significant step in that direction. We look forward to expanding this convenience-driven initiative across more airports in the near future”.

SpiceJet has confirmed plans to extend the WhatsApp-based paperless boarding experience to other domestic airports in the coming months, furthering its position as a leader in sustainable and passenger-centric air travel.

About SpiceJet:

SpiceJet is India’s favourite airline, making flying affordable for millions of Indians. An IATA-IOSA certified carrier, it operates a fleet of Boeing 737s and Q-400s and is among the country’s largest regional players, operating multiple daily flights under UDAN – the Regional Connectivity Scheme. A majority of its fleet features SpiceMax, India’s most spacious economy-class seating.


Akasa Air Adds Kozhikode as 30th Destination, Strengthens Kerala Network

Akasa Air Adds Kozhikode as 30th Destination, Strengthens Kerala Network

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 25, 2025

Akasa Air, India’s fastest-growing airline, has added Kozhikode (Calicut) to its network as its 30th destination and 24th domestic city in just under three years of operations. Starting 1 October 2025, the airline will operate daily direct flights between Mumbai and Kozhikode, strengthening connectivity between India’s financial capital and Kerala’s Malabar coast.

The new addition builds on Akasa Air’s existing services to Kochi and further expands its footprint in Kerala. Kozhikode, known for its cultural heritage, coastal charm, and active trade, is a hub for both leisure and business travellers. The daily service is expected to boost tourism and trade opportunities between Kerala and metropolitan centres.

Praveen Iyer, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Akasa Air, said: “We are delighted to add Kozhikode as the 30th destination on our network, marking a milestone in Akasa Air’s growth story, and expanding our connectivity in Kerala. The city’s unique cultural character and thriving economy, combined with Kerala’s renewed emphasis on tourism and infrastructure, make it an instrumental addition to our network. Our daily Mumbai–Kozhikode service will not only enhance connectivity between India’s commercial capital and the Malabar coast but also act as a catalyst for trade, tourism, and economic opportunities.”

Within just 37 months of commencing operations, Akasa Air has grown to 30 destinations, making it the fastest-growing airline in Indian civil aviation history. Its strategy is centred on affordable and reliable connectivity while steadily expanding its reach.

The airline continues to enhance customer experience with modern aircraft offering extra legroom, USB charging ports, and Café Akasa’s festive and healthy menus. Akasa has also introduced industry-first innovations such as QuietFlights, SkyScore by Akasa, SkyLights, and a pet travel policy, along with products like Akasa GetEarly and Akasa Holidays, reflecting its focus on passenger comfort and convenience.

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