The conference was organized under the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy’s (BMWE) Market Entry Program (MEP), as part of a one-week business delegation trip to Sri Lanka. Six German companies and entrepreneurs with expertise in tourism and related industries joined the mission to explore investment opportunities and forge new partnerships.
Strengthening a Key Source Market
Delivering the keynote remarks, Mr. Martin Klose, Chief Delegate of AHK Sri Lanka, welcomed senior guests including Mr. Tobias Krause, Head of South Asia Division, German Federal Foreign Office; Mrs. Sarah Hasselbarth, Deputy Ambassador of Germany to Sri Lanka; and Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, Deputy Minister of Tourism.
Mr. Klose highlighted the importance of the German market for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry:
- Between January and June 2025, 74,576 German tourists visited Sri Lanka, representing 6.4% of total arrivals.
- Germany has been a trusted partner and friend of Sri Lanka for many years. German tourists, in particular, are recognized as repeat visitors who tend to stay for longer durations compared to many other markets. Moreover, their spending patterns are highly favorable, generating significant value for stakeholders across Sri Lanka’s tourism sector
- Germany is the number one source market for Ayurveda tourism, with nearly 3,600 visitors arriving specifically for Ayurvedic treatments.
“Germany remains one of Sri Lanka’s most important tourism source markets, and this conference underscores the potential for collaboration in making Sri Lanka an even stronger destination for German travelers,” said Mr. Klose.
Panels, Presentations, and Innovation
The program featured two panel discussions, expert presentations, and company pitches:
- Panel 1: Explored what German travelers expect and how Sri Lanka can adapt, with contributions from Siddhalepa Ayurveda, Hilton Colombo Residences, Aitken Spence Travels, and AHK Sri Lanka.
- Panel 2 – “Sri Lanka: The New Sustainable Bali?”: Addressed regenerative tourism, with insights from The Curious Experience, Kitesurfing Lanka, Walkers Tours, and Cinnamon Life.
Expert sessions further covered MICE tourism potential, the importance of training and education to raise service standards, the use of AI and Virtual Reality in tourism, and the role of diversity and inclusion in shaping a future-ready sector.
A regional spotlight on Sri Lanka’s Northern Province highlighted untapped opportunities in Jaffna and beyond, emphasizing the importance of community-based tourism and responsible development.
During networking breaks, delegates experienced a Virtual Reality time-travel of Sigiriya provided by VR Archives and connected with representatives from the Northern and North Central Provinces at dedicated information stalls.
German Delegates Showcase Innovation
The six German companies introduced innovative projects tailored to Sri Lanka’s tourism development goals:
- AquaRockBag – Coastal and landslide protection solutions.
- Claussen Holding GmbH – Sustainable hostel project and beach recycling initiatives.
- SUNSET Energietechnik GmbH – Solar energy expertise for tourism sustainability.
- mascontour GmbH – Consultancy in regenerative tourism, branding, and training.
- Suvarivi Ayurveda Resort (Pvt) Ltd – Expanding into retirement residences for German-speaking seniors.
- Mareike Brandt – Tourism entrepreneur with plans to build strong German–Sri Lankan partnerships.
Looking Ahead
In his closing remarks, Mr. Klose emphasized the importance of follow-up:
“This conference has shown that Sri Lanka and Germany share not only a strong tourism bond but also a mutual vision for sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity in the sector. Together, we can unlock new opportunities and strengthen our partnership for the future of Sri Lankan tourism.”
He further expressed confidence that the B2B meetings scheduled in the coming days will lead to concrete partnerships and investments, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s positioning as a sustainable and attractive destination for German travelers. He extended gratitude to the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE), The Kingsbury, VR Archives, provincial representatives, and all partner institutions for their support.
The AHK Sri Lanka is part of the German Chamber Network, supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE). With 150 locations in 93 countries worldwide, the members of the German Chamber Network (AHKs) share their expertise, connections, and services with German and local companies in the respective partner countries. The AHKs are present in all countries of particular importance to German businesses and are closely linked with the Chambers of Commerce and Industry (IHKs) in Germany.
