Sri Lanka Showcases Film Tourism Potential at India International Film Tourism Conclave 2024
Sri Lanka is positioning itself as a premier destination for Indian film productions, with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) making a prominent appearance at the 10th India International Film Tourism Conclave (IIFTC) in Mumbai, held from October 23–25, 2024.
As the largest film tourism platform in India, the IIFTC provided a strategic stage for Sri Lanka to showcase its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture to influential stakeholders in the Indian film industry. This aligns with global trends in leveraging film tourism as a driver of economic growth.
The Sri Lankan delegation, led by acclaimed international film producer Chandran Rutnam and supported by the International Film Producers Association of Sri Lanka (IFPA), highlighted the island’s diverse offerings. Chaminda Munasinghe, Assistant Director of SLTPB for film tourism promotions, delivered an impactful presentation on Sri Lanka’s unmatched potential as a cinematic hub, targeting major film industries including Bollywood, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam.
Key highlights of the presentation included Sri Lanka’s scenic diversity—ranging from pristine beaches to lush jungles and cultural landmarks—and its capacity to support large-scale productions with minimal logistical hurdles. Targeted digital campaigns further amplified the country’s appeal to over 800 attendees at the event.
Collaborations were also strengthened through discussions with Indian producers, location managers, and government officials. The Sri Lanka Consulate General Office in Mumbai, led by Acting Consul General Shirani Ariyarathne, played a pivotal role in facilitating connections and fostering partnerships.
A significant milestone was reached with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) of India, which invited Sri Lanka to participate in the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025. This invitation underscores the growing recognition of Sri Lanka as a global film tourism hotspot, alongside countries like Australia, Japan, and South Korea.
With promising dialogues and collaborations underway, Sri Lanka is poised to leverage its natural and cultural assets to attract international film productions, boosting its tourism sector and global visibility.
