The Consulate General of India in Jaffna hosted the Tourism Conclave 2025 at the Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre, spotlighting the untapped tourism potential of Sri Lanka’s Northern Province. The hybrid-format event brought together leading stakeholders from India and Sri Lanka to foster stronger regional tourism ties and build a collaborative cross-border tourism ecosystem.
Inaugurating the conclave, Consul General Shri Sai Murali highlighted the cultural, geographic, and historical proximity between the two nations, calling tourism a “natural bridge” in the bilateral relationship. He emphasized that connectivity is the foundation of tourism, pointing to the revived Nagapattinam–Kankesanthurai ferry and enhanced flight services between Chennai, Jaffna, and Trichy as key enablers.
“India remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s tourism revival,” the Consul General stated, urging travel operators and tourism boards to co-create a sustainable and thriving tourism network.
Northern Province Tourism Bureau Chairman A. Pathinathan, speaking on the region’s strategic location and Indian tourist influx, especially from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, said the conclave was vital in building mutual understanding and facilitating cooperation among tourism stakeholders. He stressed that the growing number of Indian tourists are visiting not only for religious pilgrimage but also for leisure, commerce, and cultural exploration.
“This is a critical moment to elevate the Northern Province into a fully-fledged tourism hub,” Pathinathan noted. He identified Delft Island and the Northern coastline as prime areas for development, with initiatives already underway to boost infrastructure and accessibility.
The conclave featured presentations from a Nagapattinam delegation and tourism officials from six Indian States and Union Territories, who shared insights on collaborative tourism strategies. Key industry figures, including Sirharan Balan (Chairman, South India Chamber of Commerce – Tourism), T. Devaki (Chairperson, Travel Agents Association of India – Southern Region), and K. Pandian (Chairperson, Indian Association of Tour Operators – Tamil Nadu and Puducherry), spoke on emerging travel trends and inbound tourism promotion.
Tourism experts at the event described Jaffna as a hidden tropical gem, rich in cultural, historical, and natural assets. With landmarks like Jaffna Fort, Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, and Casuarina Beach, the region offers a compelling blend of heritage and coastal beauty. Stakeholders agreed that with the right investment and cross-border cooperation, Sri Lanka’s Northern Province could become a premier destination for South Asian tourism.
