A new Australian partnership between SriLankan Airlines’ holidays program and Sydney-based Sargia Holidays has launched a small-group Sri Lanka collection aimed at the retail trade, with tours capped at six guests and every departure guaranteed to run.
SriLankan Holidays by Sargia is pitching the Small Group Collection as a way around the usual frustrations of selling group travel – waiting on minimum numbers and departures cancelled late. Agents will earn 15 per cent commission, which the operator says is above typical group-tour rates.
The collection is led by the 16-day Sargia Signature, which travels across the island. Because departures are guaranteed, agents can confirm bookings immediately.
Sargia Holidays founder and CEO George Paul said the product was built to remove the barriers agents face when selling group tours.
“For agents, it removes every reason not to sell group travel,” he said. “No minimums, no cancellations, better commission, and a Sydney team they can pick up the phone to.”
Paul said he spent 35 years in Sri Lanka, including more than 18 in its tourism industry.
The partnership, finalised in October, combines SriLankan Airlines’ flight packages with Sargia’s on-ground operations across the island. Sargia was recently accredited by the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA).
Sargia also operates celebrity chef Peter Kuruvita’s Sri Lanka tours and the Entrepreneurs’ Organization Sydney annual retreat. It offers full on-ground white-labelling, which allows an agency’s or client’s branding to appear on everything from guide uniforms to vehicles.
A corporate offering, MICE à la carte, will debut at FACTS 2026.
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