(LANKAPUVATH | COLOMBO) – Boutiques in Sri Lanka, the leading organisation promoting boutique accommodation experiences in Sri Lanka, will host its annual “B2B Luxury Connect” trade fair, Sri Lanka’s only luxury travel fair exclusively for the small luxury accommodation sector, on the 21st of March 2023, at Monarch Imperial, Sri Jayewardenepura, Kotte. The event will be conducted under theme, “Flair of Sri Lanka”, and will be an opportunity for vetted small luxury boutique operators to showcase their properties to producers of business to small luxury properties.
The details of the event were announced and discussed at a press conference held on the 22nd of February 2022, at Monarch Imperial. Present at the event were the Main Sponsor – Mosvold Boutique Hotels, the Airline Sponsor – Sri Lankan Airlines, and the Co-Sponsors – Malabar Hill and Resplendent Ceylon, together with the Presidents of both SLAITO (Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators) – Nushad Fernando, and THASL (The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka) – Shanthikumar, and the Founder of Boutiques in Sri Lanka – Druvi Gunasekara. Mosvold Boutique Hotels maintains 4 gorgeous properties in the South, including a wellness property, and the newly refurbished Mosvold Villa in Ahangama. Malabar Hill is a luxury property with private pools in Weligama, and Resplendent Ceylon is a well-known brand of small luxury properties, including Ahu Bay and Kayaam House in the South, under their “The Reverie” brand.
2023 is a special year for Boutiques in Sri Lanka, as the organization marks 10 years of pioneering marketing for small luxury accommodation. To mark the occasion, this year’s “B2B Luxury Connect” will invite foreign tour operators to participate for the first time, with the generous support of SriLankan Airlines. This is a milestone achievement as it will truly create unparalleled B2B opportunities for the industry, allowing participating boutique properties, to showcase themselves directly to a selection of experienced travel professionals who are seasoned at generating business for small luxury boutique properties. In addition, the full spectrum of local agents will also be present, as usual.
Commenting on the upcoming “B2B Luxury Connect 2023”, Druvi Gunasekara – Founder of Boutiques in Sri Lanka said, “Unlike other travel fairs, we pre-check all showcasing properties for quality, and participation is by invitation only. Furthermore, you will experience carefully curated meetings and interactions with the finest minds that have built and continue to nurture luxury and semi-luxury travel in Sri Lanka. This is an unparalleled opportunity for any serious stakeholder in the sector, and we intend to see much more interest this year as tourism picks up worldwide, together with the presence of international operators at the event. B2B Luxury Connect 2023 will definitely serve to boost the visibility and appeal of boutique experiences and luxury travel to Sri Lanka, which will serve to greatly enhance and support foreign currency earnings from tourism in the coming years.”
The small luxury accommodation sector, which includes boutique hotels, villas, bungalows, cottages, camps, eco-stays and more, is the fastest growing category of accommodation, as more tourists demand privacy and personalized service, teamed with local experiences. Sri Lanka is home to over 1,000 small luxury properties, and many are hidden gems, whilst only a few are globally known. “B2B Luxury Connect 2023” will provide an equal platform for all small luxury providers to showcase their properties to operators in Sri Lanka and from across the world.
Druvi Gunasekara also added that, “Subsequent to the conclusion of B2B Luxury Connect 2023, the foreign tour operators attending the event will be taken on a complementary familiarization tour of Sri Lanka, and enjoy some of the most exquisite small boutique experiences we have to offer for themselves. This will help them to promote Sri Lanka as a luxury destination with unique local experiences to their diverse clientele. Also, to further enhance the small luxury accommodation segment, the event will feature the newly launched Christell Luxury Wellness Villa, alongside many local authentic products like Ceylon cinnamon and tea, and local ethical fabrics and handlooms by Selyn.”
All travel agents and tour operators are welcome to attend “B2B Luxury Connect 2023”, and attendance is free of charge. However, all participants are required to preregister and obtain time-slots in advance to ensure smooth meetings throughout the day, and a comfortable and seamless experience for everyone. Please visit www.boutiquesinsrilanka (web/FB/IG), or email info@boutiquesinsrilanka to register your interest to participate or for further inquiries.
