Sri Lanka makes sensational appearance at OTM and SATTE 2025 in India

SLTPB Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam addressing the gathering comprising the Chancellor and officials of the Somaiya Vidhyavihar University

Starting its promotional work for 2025, the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) added another feather into its cap of endorsements, by being recognised as the most innovative Tourism Board promotion in Outbound Travel Mart (OTM). In parallel to that, several other sub-events were held. 

The OTM was held at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, India, from 30 January to 1 February. Before OTM, the Global Village – Global Exchange and Trade Exhibition was held at the Surat International Exhibition and Convention Centre, Sarsana, Surat, Gujarat, India, from 25 to 27 January. This travel fair was organised by the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI).

Sri Lanka participated in both OTM and South Asia’s Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE), held from 19 to 21 February, in New Delhi, India. This was an excellent opportunity for Sri Lanka to promote its potential as a unique travel destination, especially for the Indian counterparts, as SLTPB has identified India as the number one source market for Sri Lanka, tourism bringing the largest number of tourist arrivals to the destination. 

SLTPB has been a regular member of both OTM and SATTE trade fairs in India, thus as a regular participant SLTPB has many Trade and Industrial experiences with the Indian community. Sri Lanka participated in the 26th OTM travel and trade fair 2025, making it a long-lasting relationship with its neighbour in this segment. OTM is the largest travel trade show in India, connecting the global travel fraternity for more than two decades and also the only travel show in India with a balanced mix of travel trade and corporate sector. It is also considered as a platform to expand MICE Tourism and lure more International Industry stakeholders under its wing. OTM is the leading travel trade show in the Asia-Pacific as well. 

Official opening of the Sri Lankan stall at the OTM 2025

SLTPB Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam (left) handing over a souvenir to a participant at the OTM

This time for the OTM, Sri Lanka participated with 72 leading travel and tourism companies to complete the large delegation. Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam and other officials of Sri Lanka Tourism and Sri Lankan Airlines participated. The Sri Lanka pavilion stood out as the largest among the international exhibitors, with 360 sqm. The main purpose of this participation was to create general awareness about Sri Lanka, including the niche products of Sri Lanka. The Karunadasa Olaboduwawa Dance Troupe added more glamour to the event, by mesmerising onlookers with their beautiful performances. 

Shortly after, SLTPB also participated at the South Asia’s Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE) 2025, held at the Yashobhoomi, Convention and Exhibition Centre (IICC), New Delhi from 19 to 21 February. SLTPB Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam addressed the gathering of tour operators who were present and highlighted upon the importance of India as Sri Lanka’s leading source market. The Sri Lankan delegation at SATTE included 70 companies. Sri Lanka’s SATTE participation was further adorned with the breathtaking performances of Channa – Upuli Performing Arts Foundation. The rich Sri Lankan culture and heritage was specially highlighted with these performances and attracted the crowd to the fullest extent. Sri Lanka’s presence at the SATTE Exhibition has always been a crowd puller as it has been a frequent member of the event. 

Sub-events in which Sri Lanka participated 

SLTPB also participated at the Sri Lanka and NFDC film festival in Mumbai, which was held from 1 to 5 February. The opening ceremony was held on 1 February, amidst the presence of distinguished guests including, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam, Acting Consul General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai Shirani Ariyarathne and Taranjit Kaur, an actress known for her roles in Award winning Indian films, honoured the occasion as the Chief Guest.

 Sri Lanka’s participation further saw a meeting held between the officials of Sri Lanka Tourism,  the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai, and with the Chancellor and the officials of the Somaiya Vidhyavihar University (SVU) followed by the Sri Lanka Cultural and Educational Cooperation Event at the SVU on 29 January in Mumbai, India. 

Showcasing Sri Lankan glamour

The Sri Lankan delegation at the OTM 2025

The Sri Lankan stall at the OTM 2025

Visitors at the Sri Lankan stall at the OTM 2025

The Sri Lanka stall was a major attraction at the OTM 2025

An interactive session with the Sri Lankan hoteliers and the Wedding Planners where SLTPB participated took place in Mumbai on 31 January. The 10 Co-exhibitors and SriLankan Airlines at the Sri Lanka stand had the opportunity to network with tour operators, and wedding planners from Gujarat, at the Global Village held in Surat, India, on 26 January. 

Sri Lanka also attended the event on “Cine Locales: Bringing Local Destinations and Locations to Indian Cinema” on 30 January at Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, on Sri Lanka Tourism for broad long-term synergy for Film Shoot and Film Tourism promotion.

Sri Lanka’s participation at all events held in India, concluded on a successful note, including the main events as OTM and SATTE, bringing in fruitful discussions and promising business prospects as results. This also enhanced the cultural and bilateral ties between the two destinations. It will not only encourage more Indian tourist arrivals but also create a platform to coordinate with the Indian Industry stakeholders and expand their network from India in many business aspects. Further sealing its position as the number one spot in the destinations top ten source markets, Sri Lanka has received 89,626 Indian tourist arrivals from 1 January to 9 March.