Dnata Travel teams up with Sri Lanka Tourism to boost tourism from the Gulf region
Fresh Take:
dnata Travel and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) are teaming up to lure more tourists from the UAE and the Gulf region to Sri Lanka, as the island nation's appeal soars among GCC travelers. Announced at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 in Dubai, this strategy was spurred by a 28% increase in tourist arrivals from the UAE to Sri Lanka in the first quarter, according to SLTDA figures. Dnata Travel's own booking data confirms that Sri Lanka has climbed to one of the most coveted international destinations for UAE residents, particularly during peak travel periods.
The collaborative effort concentrates on selling curated travel experiences, ramping up destination promotion, and hawking enticing offers aimed at Gulf travelers seeking nature-driven, wellness-centric sanctuaries within short-haul distance.
Meerah Ketait, Head of Retail and Leisure UAE at dnata Travel, remarked on the angled booking surge for Sri Lanka, especially among vacationers seeking quick escapes tied to school holidays and long weekends.
A shared marketing campaign, in league with Sri Lanka-based Aitken Spence Travels, will underscore key travel subjects, from boutique wellness hideouts and highland retreats to safaris and immersive cultural journeys.
This alliance aligns with Sri Lanka's ambition to diversify its tourism markets, enticing high-value travelers from the Middle East. With over 70 tourism stakeholders displaying at ATM 2025, the country is sprinting to seize the attention of the Gulf's leisure travel market.
Additional coverage revealed dnata Travel's involvement in the Indian Ocean region, including past Horizon events in Sri Lanka as part of its broader regional engagement[1][3]. Although specifics about the alliance are scant, there are indications of a new strategic alliance between dnata Travel and SLTDA, whose focus appears to be on promotions targeting curated travel experiences and destination enhancement initiatives[2].
Sri Lanka's all-weather appeal, expanded air connectivity, and evolving tourism infrastructure render the country a rising favorite for GCC travelers in 2025 and beyond.
For a comprehensive understanding of this partnership's details, further information or direct announcements from dnata Travel or SLTDA would be beneficial.
Insights:
- The strategic partnership aims to promote unique travel experiences and raise Sri Lanka's profile as a destination, targeting nature-oriented, wellness-focused escapes within short-haul reach.
- The collaboration is a continuation of dnata Travel's broader regional engagement and is intended to diversify Sri Lanka's tourism markets, attracting high-value travelers from the Middle East.
Key Travel Themes:
- Cultural Heritage: Known for its rich cultural heritage, including ancient cities and temples.
- Natural Beauty: Offers diverse natural landscapes, ranging from pristine beaches to towering mountains and lush forests.
- Adventure Travel: Becoming increasingly popular for activities like surfing, hiking, and wildlife exploration.
- The strategic collaboration between dnata Travel and the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) is focusing on developing unique travel experiences, with a particular emphasis on promoting nature-oriented, wellness-centric, and adventure-focused escapes within short-haul distance to attract Gulf travelers.
- This collaborative effort is a part of dnata Travel's broader regional engagement, aiming to diversify Sri Lanka's tourism markets and attract high-value travelers from the Middle East, with a shared marketing campaign planned in conjunction with Sri Lanka-based Aitken Spence Travels.
- The alliance aligns with Sri Lanka's objective of showcasing its cultural heritage, natural beauty, and growing tourism infrastructure to lure more tourists from the UAE and Gulf region, as the island nation becomes a rising favourite for GCC travelers due to its all-weather appeal and expanded air connectivity.
