Single-handedly flying the flag for Boutique Accommodation experiences in Sri Lanka, Druvi Gunasekera the founder of Boutiques in Sri Lanka will host the annual “B2B Luxury Connect” trade fair on the 21st of March 2023, at Monarch Imperial, Sri Jayewardenepura, Kotte. This event is Sri Lanka’s sole luxury travel fair exclusively for the small luxury accommodation sector and this year the theme of the event will be “Flair of Sri Lanka”.

Passionate about promoting Sri Lankan boutique hotels around the world. Druvi personally vets all small luxury boutique operators. She says this event is the ideal opportunity for small luxury boutique operators to showcase their properties to producers of business to small luxury properties.

For Boutiques in Sri Lanka 2023 marks a special anniversary as they celebrate 10 years of pioneering marketing for the small luxury accommodation sector. Druvi has also invited many foreign tour operators to participate in the B2B. “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” she says.

Elaborating further Druvi says “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 excellent opportunity for serious stakeholders in the sector together with the presence of international operators at the event to forge good working relationships and create new business opportunities.  We intend to see much more interest this year as tourism picks up worldwide, 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.”

Defining the small luxury accommodation sector Druvi says “it includes boutique hotels, villas, bungalows, cottages, camps, eco-stays and more. It is the fastest growing category of accommodation, as more tourists demand privacy and personalised service, teamed with local experiences.” 

Throwing their weight behind the event is 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.

At the conclusion of B2B Luxury Connect 2023, the foreign tour operators attending the event will be taken on a complimentary familiarisation tour of Sri Lanka, to enjoy some of the exquisite small boutique experiences to aid 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 pre-register 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.