The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) hosted a familiarization (FAM) trip for 17 travel agents from the Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) – Madhya Pradesh Chapter, from April 28 to May 3, 2025.
The FAM trip was strategically designed to showcase Sri Lanka’s Ramayana Trail, a key spiritual and cultural tourism product for Indian travellers. The itinerary included visits to legendary sites connected to the epic, such as Sigiriya, believed to be linked with Ravana’s kingdom; Ramboda and Nuwara Eliya, home to Ashok Vatika, where Sita Devi was said to have been held captive; and Seetha Amman Temple, a major spiritual destination for Indian pilgrims. Participants also experienced Sri Lanka’s leisure offerings, including the golden beaches of Bentota and the cosmopolitan energy of Colombo. In addition to the Ramayana circuit, the agents also experienced Sri Lanka’s leisure offerings, including the scenic beaches of Bentota and the vibrant capital city of Colombo.
On the final day, SLTPB facilitated an interactive session where over 50 key stakeholders, including Destination Management Companies (DMCs), hotels, and tour operators, engaged with the Indian agents. This provided an excellent platform for business discussions and fostering long-term partnerships.
Sharing his insights on the FAM trip, Amol Kataria, Secretary, TAFI MP Chapter, said, “This FAM trip was meticulously curated to highlight the Ramayana Trail, which holds immense appeal for Indian travelers. The agents were highly impressed by the spiritual and cultural connections, along with Sri Lanka’s diverse tourism offerings. Such initiatives will undoubtedly boost inbound tourism from India.”
Sri Lanka remains one of the preferred destinations for Indian travellers, and FAM trips like these play a crucial role in enhancing trade relations. The SLTPB’s efforts to promote niche segments such as religious, cultural, and leisure tourism are expected to result in increased tourist arrivals from India, particularly from Madhya Pradesh, a key market with strong cultural ties to the Ramayana.
With the success of this FAM trip, the SLTPB aims to continue such engagements, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s position as a must-visit destination for Indian travellers.
 hosted a familiarization (FAM) trip for 17 travel agents from the Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) – Madhya Pradesh Chapter, from April 28 to May 3, 2025.){kind=link}