In a bid to boost pilgrim tourism, Sri Lanka Tourism invited prominent outbound travel agents and ten leading Buddhist media influencers from India to participate in an exclusive B2B networking session and immersive cultural experience during the Vesak celebrations. The event commenced on the 22^nd of May 2024 at the Hotel Ramada Colombo, aiming to strengthen ties between local and international travel agents and to showcase the spiritual and cultural richness of Sri Lanka.

The delegation's visit kicks off with a comprehensive networking session designed to foster collaboration and enhance the network between Sri Lankan travel agencies and their counterparts. This initiative is a strategic move to promote pilgrim tours, highlighting Sri Lanka as a premier destination for Buddhist travelers.

On May 23^rd, the delegation participated at the revered lighting ceremony at the iconic Gangaramaya Temple. This event was a cornerstone of the Vesak celebration, offering a profound insight into Sri Lanka's spiritual heritage and cultural traditions. The lighting ceremony is a visually stunning and spiritually uplifting event that symbolizes enlightenment and peace, providing the guests with a firsthand experience of the island's vibrant Vesak festivities.

Following the Vesak celebration, the delegation embarked on a Familiarization Tour starting from May 24^th . This tour covered the significant Buddhist temples across the country, allowing the guests to explore and appreciate the historical and spiritual significance of these sacred sites. Key stops on the tour included the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, the ancient city of Anuradhapura, and the Dambulla Cave Temple.

The primary objective of this program is to showcase Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage and spiritual ambiance, thereby encouraging an increase in pilgrim tour arrivals. By providing an immersive experience of the Vesak celebration and the country's revered Buddhist sites, Sri Lanka Tourism aims to highlight the unique offerings that make the island a must-visit destination for Buddhist pilgrims.

Sri Lanka Tourism believes that this initiative will not only enhance the visibility of Sri Lanka's cultural and spiritual treasures but also foster stronger business relationships and collaborative opportunities between travel agents from both countries. The collaboration is expected to result in a significant boost in tourist arrivals, contributing to the growth and development of the country's tourism sector.

Sri Lanka stands ready to welcome international visitors, showcasing its timeless traditions and unparalleled hospitality. This initiative marks a significant step towards positioning Sri Lanka as a leading destination for Buddhist pilgrimage and cultural tourism.