Exploring opportunities in the Tourism Sector
From 08.09.2025 to 12.09.2025, AHK Sri Lanka is carrying out a business initiation to Sri Lanka on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy. This is a project-related funding measure as part of the market development programme for SMEs. The target group is primarily small and medium-sized German companies (SMEs).
A German delegation will come visit Sri Lanka to explore collaboration and business opportunities in the field of Planning / Consulting / Tourism Services.
The program includes a one-day conference in Colombo with experts, corporates and further stakeholders from the Sri Lankan and German business and tourism community. Pre-scheduled B2B-meetings between the German visitors and Sri Lankan corporate representatives provide the unique opportunity of intensive discussion and building relationships. A complimentary program with site visits and further networking opportunities within the tourism, corporate and institutional sector in Sri Lanka will foster the establishment of business relationships.
The Sri Lankan Tourism Sector
Sri Lanka is experiencing a remarkable economic revival, emerging stronger after the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, political shifts, and IMF financial support. In the Autumn 2024 AHK Asia-Pacific Business Outlook, the country secured the top spot for business expectations, reflecting growing confidence in its economic potential.
The tourism sector plays a pivotal role in this recovery. Despite its compact size, Sri Lanka boasts stunning biodiversity, a rich cultural heritage, and world-famous beaches that attract surfing enthusiasts. It has also become a hub for Ayurveda and wellness tourism, drawing visitors seeking holistic experiences. Recently, the island has gained popularity among digital nomads for its blend of natural beauty and modern infrastructure. International recognition, such as being named the best destination for solo female travel by Timeout.com in 2024, has further solidified its global appeal.
From January to December 2024, more than 2 million tourists visited Sri Lanka. With a focus on sustainability, the country aims to increase this number while protecting its environment and respecting local communities. Instead of mass tourism, Sri Lanka prioritizes high-value segments like luxury travel, adventure tourism, and MICE tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions).
To support this vision, Sri Lanka seeks foreign investment and expertise to enhance its tourism offerings and infrastructure. With its strategic approach to sustainable tourism, the country presents significant opportunities for businesses and investors looking to contribute to and benefit from this dynamic growth.
For German companies interested in participating in the delegation trip: Download the Information Sheet including the Registration Form
Participating Delegates from Germany
Mareike Brandt (Sole Proprietor)
Freelance consultant from Germany with over 15 years of experience in international cooperation, market access, and sustainable business development – including assignments in Sri Lanka.
Tourism experience gained through renting out accommodation on Airbnb, working as a tour guide, and organising thematic study trips in Germany and abroad.
Currently developing an offer for authentic, responsibly designed individual travel in Sri Lanka for the German-speaking market, in cooperation with a local partner.
As part of this business mission, interested in engaging with companies, organisations, and networks along the tourism value chain – particularly in the areas of accommodation, transport, cultural and nature-based experiences, and guiding – to identify potential cooperation partners and jointly develop high-quality offers for discerning travellers.
Mascontour GmbH
The Berlin-based consultancy Mascontour was founded in 2005 and is run as a limited liability company (GmbH). In addition to its headquarters in Berlin, the company has representations in Melbourne/Australia for the Asia-Pacific region and in Zanzibar/Tanzania for East Africa. Mascontour specialises in national and international consulting for destinations, companies, and policy makers on the implementation of resilient and sustainable tourism. Today, Mascontour is one of the world's leading consultancies in this field and has successfully implemented around 220 projects on five continents in over 60 countries. The company is certified with the ‘Sustainable Company’ and ‘Service Quality Germany’ labels and was honoured with the Hipe Award for outstanding service quality in 2023.
Roess Group
We are constantly evolving!
Since the founding of a small locksmith and repair workshop by Arnold Heinrich Meyer in 1913, our company has grown over the past 100+ years into a strong and successful medium-sized enterprise. Through continuous innovation, we have successfully transformed the centuries-old tradition of processing sustainable raw materials such as straw, coconut fiber, and jute—deeply rooted in the Twistringen region—into modern production processes. Today, the corporate group comprises six companies. Become a part of our future!
Naturally natural—That’s our way!
AquaRockBag® is a brand of Internationale Geotextil GmbH, based in Germany. Since our founding in 1997, we have become the market leader in natural fiber geotextiles. Whether it’s erosion control mats and fabrics, fertilizers, plant vitality products, spraying equipment for green areas, or gabions: as a full-service provider, we offer solutions for all types of erosion control and greening challenges—regardless of the application.
Claussen Holding
Claussen Holding is a privately owned group of companies based in Germany, uniting several domestic and international subsidiaries under one strategic umbrella. Founder and Managing Director Sebastian Claussen stands for entrepreneurial integrity, sustainable development, and social responsibility. The holding is active in the fields of event management, sustainable tourism, real estate development, and NGO projects in Sri Lanka.
Structure & Affiliates
1. Germany
- Claussen Events GmbH
Organizer of international sports and cultural mega-events. Current flagship projects include “Flensburg boxt” (WBF World Championship featuring Freddy Kiwitt) and strategic partnerships with media and brand partners (e.g., SHZ, CG Christiansen, SASA Flensburg). - Claussen Holding GmbH
Strategic umbrella company with shareholdings in operational businesses in Germany and Sri Lanka. Responsible for asset management, capital allocation, brand leadership, and international partnerships.
2. Sri Lanka
- Claussen Real Estate (Pvt) Ltd
Owner and developer of sustainable tourism and infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka. Focus on ecological architecture, land development, and sustainable construction. - Basti & Gina Harmony (Pvt) Ltd
Operator of a social surf hostel with café and educational programs. 80% of profits go toward charitable causes. Focus areas: fair employment, environmental protection, and social inclusion. - SASA GmbH (Germany, investment partner)
Partner in food and beverage concepts at the surf hostel. Connects German expertise with local implementation. - Claussen Foundation (NGO, under development)
A non-profit organization aiming to implement systemic solutions for waste reduction, recycling, renewable energy, and education – in close cooperation with the Sri Lankan government and international partners.
Philosophy & Vision
Claussen Holding views entrepreneurship not merely as an economic pursuit but as a societal responsibility. All projects combine economic viability with measurable social and environmental impact. The goal is to develop internationally scalable models that activate local resources, promote education, and enable sustainable value creation.
Target Groups
- Investors & impact funds
- Government agencies & institutions
- Cooperation partners in construction, environmental technology, and tourism
- Foundations & development organizations
- Media & sponsors in the sports and cultural sectors
International Perspective
Claussen Holding leverages German standards, an international network, and local engagement to develop forward-looking solutions – both in social tourism and in Sri Lanka’s energy and recycling infrastructure. The combination of business, NGO, and public-private partnership represents a unique selling proposition with strong impact potential.
SUNSET Energietechnik GmbH
SUNSET Energietechnik GmbH has been active in the field of solar technologies since 1979. We are German manufacturer of solar power components and systems. Our core competencies are in manufacturing, designing and engineering and delivery incl. complete installation of solar systems of any sizes. We operate and realize projects worldwide. In addition to standard components, we also manufacture customized products and systems.
Suvarivi GmbH
The Ayurveda Boutique Resort Suvarivi is located on a hill in Weligama and offers traditional Ayurveda treatments in the midst of the jungle to its predominantly German, Austrian, and Swiss guests. In our resort, a doctor is available around the clock, in addition to the therapists. We have a total of 11 rooms and 19 employees. Originally, the Ayurveda healing process was not designed for stays of 9, 14, or 21 days, but rather for approximately 90 days.
This led us to the idea of developing retirement residences in Sri Lanka for interested individuals from Europe, similar to those in Thailand, incorporating care and healing treatments. We are currently working to clarify the political foundations for establishing retirement residences, such as visas, training and German language courses in nursing professions, as well as the utilization of existing health insurance.
For Sri-Lankan stakeholders interested in joining the program:
As a Sri-Lankan stakeholder, you can participate in the Sri-Lankan-German Tourism Conference in Colombo on 09th September or in a workshop and speed dating session in Kandy on 12th September.
Moreover, we are looking for suitable B2B-matches for our German Delegation to engage in pre-arranged exclusive dialogues.
If your organization operates in or is interested in the following sectors, this is a unique opportunity to connect, collaborate, and grow:
- Ayurveda / Wellness Tourism
- (Destination) Marketing
- Sustainable & Niche Tourism
- Tourism Consulting
- Renewable Energy Solutions & Environmental Protection
- Research & Training/Education
We welcome participation from local tourism businesses (SMEs are happily welcome), consultants, government bodies, and investors, as well as sponsors interested in supporting this program financially or in kind.
If you are interested in participating in or contributing to the program, please indicate your interest by filling out the following registration form. We will get back to you with further details.
*Participation in the conference is free of charge. However, available slots will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.