B2B Luxury Connect 2024 to be held 30 April

From left: Mosvold Chairman Nimal Martinus, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau Chairman Thisum Jayasuriya, Boutiques in Sri Lanka Founder Druvi Gunasekara and Sri Lanka and Indian Ocean 

(Sri Lankan Air Lines) Regional Manager Indunil Wijekoon 

– Pix by Ruwan Walpola

• Event to have a focus on sustainability in production and practice, also appealing more to high-end tourism
• Expects operators from UK, France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Dubai and India

In its journey of elevating Sri Lanka as a luxury destination, Boutiques in Sri Lanka is to host its highly anticipated annual ‘B2B Luxury Connect trade fair’ at the end of this month. 

‘B2B Luxury Connect’, Sri Lanka’s only luxury travel fair which is held exclusively for the small luxury accommodation sector, on 30 April, at the Monarch Imperial hotel in Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte. The event will be conducted under the theme, “Sustainability Sri Lanka”, while providing a platform for the small luxury segment to showcase their properties to experienced travel professionals and outside buyers and to meet those buyers who would conduct business with them. 

Boutiques in Sri Lanka Founder Druvi Gunasekara said: “This year we are bringing foreign tour operators from six different countries. They’re from the UK, France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Dubai and India, at the moment. But there might be others as well. A lot of small properties don’t have the budget like the bigger companies to go out there and meet buyers or take part in trouble. So, the B2B Luxury Connect bridges the gap, enabling them to still meet the buyers, still be known, but here at a far less cost or expense or marketing budget.”

Gunasekara noted that the event would represent more than 200 small city properties and would be attended by more than 250 local agents. The exhibitors are handpicked for providing unique experiences and innovative, intimate and conscious services that are sustainable and enrich the lives of travellers; key qualities sought by high-end tourists. 

“The small luxury properties care about the local communities, its environment, sustainability and provide local experiences unique to its locations. The exhibitors connect with Agents, foreign operators, influences, industry VIP’s and corporate VIPs. It’s where the community of luxury gather to share new developments, showcase properties, build relationships, and conduct business. ‘B2B Luxury Connect 2024’ will definitely serve to boost the visibility and appeal of boutique experiences and luxury travel to Sri Lanka, contributing towards high yield tourism.” 

The small luxury accommodation sector, which includes boutique hotels, villas, bungalows, cottages, camps, eco-stays and more, is the fastest growing category of accommodation, as more tourists demand privacy and personalised service, teamed with local experiences. Sri Lanka is home to over 1,000 small luxury properties, most of which are hidden. Luxury Connect trade fair is aimed at spotlighting these properties to the world. 

“Subsequent to the conclusion of ‘B2B Luxury Connect 2024’, the foreign tour operators attending the event will be taken on a complementary familiarisation tour of Sri Lanka and enjoy some of the most exquisite small boutique experiences we have to offer for themselves. This will help them to promote Sri Lanka as a luxury destination with unique local experiences to their diverse clientele. Also, to further enhance the small luxury accommodation segment, the event will feature other authentic local products,” Gunasekara added. 

The featured products are by small local artisans and entrepreneurs and made using local and used materials, prioritising sustainability. 

The event is sponsored by Mosvold Boutique Hotels while it is co-sponsored by Aman, Malabar Hill, Aarunya Nature Resorts and Spa and JH Villa. The airline sponsor is Srilankan Airlines. Any travel agent and tour operator could attend ‘B2B Luxury Connect 2024’, and attendance is free of charge. However, all participants are required to pre-register and obtain time- slots in advance to ensure smooth meetings throughout the day, and a comfortable and seamless experience for everyone. Please visit www.boutiquesinsrilanka (web/FB/IG), or email info@boutiquesinsrilanka or further inquiries.

 Pix by Ruwan Walpola