From leopard tracking to tea plantation hikes, Sri Lanka is drawing growing numbers of New Zealanders – and travel agents can now get exclusive access to its top suppliers.
With its diverse landscapes, ancient culture, abundant wildlife and world-class food, Sri Lanka has all the ingredients for an unforgettable escape.
This vibrant destination combines many of the travel experiences Kiwis know and love with a character and culture entirely its own.
From the sun and surf of the Gold Coast to the golden beaches of Fiji, the wellness offerings of Bali and the hiking hotspots of home, Sri Lanka presents a unique mix of familiar and foreign, all on one safe, compact island.
And Kiwis are catching on, with almost 13,500 visiting Sri Lanka in 2025 alone – an increase of 19.2% year on year.
As more Kiwis discover what Sri Lanka has to offer, the Sri Lanka Tourism Roadshows present a timely opportunity for New Zealand travel professionals to get ahead of growing demand, says Buddhika Hewawasam, chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and Sri Lanka Development Authority.
“The Sri Lanka Tourism B2B Networking & Roadshow 2026 comes at an exciting time for the destination. Sri Lanka is attracting unprecedented global attention, earning recognition as BookRetreats.com’s top trending wellness destination for 2026, the Big 7 Travel’s best island destination, and one of Travel + Leisure ’s 50 best places to travel in 2026,” he says.
“The roadshow provides an excellent platform to connect with our valued travel partners, build new business opportunities, and highlight the latest tourism products and experiences.”
For local travel agents, operators, product managers and wholesale specialists, it also offers a chance to broaden their knowledge of Sri Lanka’s evolving tourism landscape.
Attendees will gain exclusive, first-hand insights into new boutique and luxury properties, the latest products, transport logistics, and unique, experiential itineraries they can confidently recommend to clients.
The roadshows will also foster direct, face-to-face relationships with more than 40 Sri Lankan suppliers, tourism operators and accommodation providers, helping travel professionals create highly customised and competitive packages for their customers. These interactive discussions will take place over traditional refreshments, offering a taste of Sri Lanka’s famed hospitality.
“The roadshows are structured specifically to maximise meaningful, high-value interaction,” says Hewawasam. “Rather than just a series of presentations, the events will feature dedicated B2B networking sessions designed for face-to-face, table-to-table meetings.
“This setup allows Kiwi travel professionals to have personalised conversations with Sri Lankan delegates, ask specific questions, discuss custom group itineraries, and establish direct communication channels for future bookings.”
The growing connection between Sri Lanka and Aotearoa makes sense: the two island nations share a natural affinity, from their breathtaking landscapes to a shared passion for sport.
These similarities, combined with the Kiwi appetite for adventure, make New Zealand travellers a natural fit for Sri Lankan travel – curious and environmentally conscious, with a willingness to venture beyond the well-trodden path.
And because Sri Lanka is no short-haul affair – flights take a minimum of 16 hours and require at least one stopover – Kiwi travellers tend to stay longer, leading to wider exploration and deeper immersion within local communities.
The South Asian nation offers an extraordinary breadth of experiences that will feel familiar to adventurous Kiwis, while adding an entirely different sense of discovery.
Think tracking wild leopards in Yala National Park, surfing uncrowded breaks at Hiriketiya, whitewater rafting in Kitulgala, kitesurfing in Kalpitiya, observing elephants at Minneriya National Park, and hiking the magnificent 300km Pekoe Trail through the central highlands.
Along the southern surf belt, areas such as Ahangama and Weligama have evolved into vibrant hubs for yoga, chic café culture and boutique wellness retreats, where visitors can experience restorative Ayurveda traditions at sanctuary-like escapes.
Culture-seekers can wander through misty, emerald-green tea plantations and explore ancient UNESCO World Heritage sites, while food lovers can delve into the island’s thriving culinary scene, from farm-to-table experiences and village cooking classes to street food trails.
With its warm, welcoming locals, gentle wildlife encounters, tranquil beaches and family-friendly resorts, Sri Lanka is also well suited to travellers of all ages.
For families in particular, the island’s ancient history provides an enriching dimension to a holiday, with exciting activities that allow you to learn about and experience the rich cultural heritage.
Ultimately, Hewawasam says, the roadshows offer a valuable opportunity for travel professionals to deepen their expertise in a destination attracting more and more Kiwis every year.
Registration is quick, easy and free for qualified travel professionals, including retail agents, brokers and tour operators. With spaces limited at both the Christchurch and Auckland roadshows, early registration is encouraged.
“You will gain the exclusive insights needed to offer your clients something genuinely fresh and unforgettable,” Hewawasam says.
“It takes just one evening to gain a massive competitive edge and add an incredibly lucrative, high-satisfaction destination to your portfolio. We look forward to welcoming more visitors and creating many more unforgettable experiences together.”
The Sri Lanka Tourism Roadshows will be held in Christchurch on August 31 and in Auckland on September 1. Spaces are limited, so register for free now at sltourismnz.o2o.com
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