AATO President Joins Sri Lanka FAM Tour to Boost Buddhist and Sustainable Tourism Sector

In a significant step towards strengthening regional tourism and cross-border cultural ties, Shri M. Vinod, President of the Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO), participated in an official Familiarisation (FAM) Tour of Sri Lanka from May 14 to May 20, 2025. The tour was jointly organized by Sri Lanka Tourism and the Association of Buddhist Tour Operators (ABTO), and it brought together key tourism stakeholders from India to experience Sri Lanka’s travel offerings firsthand.

This FAM tour aimed to promote cooperation between the Indian and Sri Lankan tourism sectors, with a special focus on spiritual tourism, cultural circuits, and sustainable travel practices. Shri M. Vinod’s inclusion in the delegation was especially significant as it brought representation from India’s prominent island destination—the Andaman and Nicobar Islands—into the international tourism discourse.

Purpose and Objectives of the Sri Lanka FAM Tour

The core objective of the FAM tour was to establish direct connections between Indian tourism operators and Sri Lanka’s tourism framework. Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), a government entity under the Ministry of Tourism, organized the event to enhance regional cooperation, boost arrivals, and foster understanding of the island nation’s rapidly evolving tourism infrastructure.

Key goals included:

Promoting shared Buddhist heritage between India and Sri Lanka.
Showcasing Sri Lanka’s post-pandemic recovery in tourism.
Demonstrating successful sustainable tourism practices.
Building collaborative packages between tourism operators from both countries.
Encouraging direct connectivity and travel between island destinations like Andaman and Sri Lanka.

An Insightful Journey Across Sri Lanka’s Top Destinations

The itinerary covered a comprehensive set of experiences that highlighted the country’s diversity. Over the span of six days, the delegation visited several key destinations that define Sri Lanka’s global tourism brand.

Kandy – The Heart of Buddhist Heritage

The first leg of the tour took participants to Kandy, home of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic—a deeply revered site in global Buddhism. Delegates witnessed the rituals and preservation efforts around this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guided tours from the Department of Archaeology offered a glimpse into how Sri Lanka has preserved cultural integrity while building tourist infrastructure.

Sigiriya – Cultural Monument and Eco-tourism Model

Next, the group visited Sigiriya Rock Fortress, an ancient palace and one of Asia’s most significant archaeological marvels. Emphasis was placed on how the site integrates modern visitor services while maintaining strict conservation protocols. The fortress, surrounded by water gardens and frescoes, also serves as a model for eco-tourism.

Nuwara Eliya – Colonial Charm and Sustainability

In the highlands of Nuwara Eliya, delegates experienced Sri Lanka’s tea heritage and the country’s efforts to maintain biodiversity through community-led plantation tours. The Sri Lanka Sustainable Tourism Initiative (SLSTI) has recognized this region for its best practices in reducing plastic waste and preserving its unique biodiversity.

Colombo – Tourism Innovation and Urban Strategy

The capital city, Colombo, was the last stop and offered insights into Sri Lanka’s urban tourism strategy. Meetings with officials from the Urban Development Authority and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) showcased projects such as the Colombo Port City and smart mobility systems tailored for international visitors.

Shri M. Vinod’s Reflections and Andaman’s Aspirations

As the President of AATO, Shri M. Vinod played a pivotal role in bridging conversations between the two island economies. In a formal statement, he expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity:

“I thank the Association of Buddhist Tour Operators and Sri Lanka Tourism for this enriching experience. It’s not just a tour—it’s a step toward redefining regional tourism collaboration. The parallels between Andaman and Sri Lanka are compelling, especially in our shared goals of sustainability, heritage preservation, and inclusive tourism development.”

Vinod emphasized that Andaman can draw inspiration from Sri Lanka’s robust eco-tourism models and data-driven tourism management. He also highlighted the potential for bilateral island-tourism packages targeting international markets such as Japan, Thailand, and Europe.

A Platform for Shared Growth: Benefits to India and Sri Lanka

India and Sri Lanka share deep-rooted cultural and historical ties, particularly in the realm of Buddhist pilgrimage tourism. By building cross-border tourism circuits, both countries can promote:

Multi-destination Buddhist packages combining Bodh Gaya (India), Dambulla, and Anuradhapura (Sri Lanka).
Cruise tourism corridors between southern Indian ports and Colombo or Hambantota.
Air connectivity between Port Blair and Colombo, easing direct travel for both business and leisure.

According to India’s Ministry of Tourism, Sri Lanka is a top 5 source market for Indian outbound tourism. Likewise, Indian visitors make up a significant percentage of Sri Lanka’s total international arrivals. Joint ventures, thus, have strong economic incentives on both sides.

Policy Backing and Institutional Support

This initiative aligns with broader regional frameworks promoted by both nations:

India’s Buddhist Circuit under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme aims to enhance spiritual tourism infrastructure across key pilgrimage centers.
Sri Lanka’s National Tourism Policy 2023-2030 focuses on responsible tourism, product diversification, and international collaboration.

The presence of religious leaders, policy makers, and tour operators from India in this FAM tour reflects a high-level commitment to these shared visions.

ABTO and AATO: Strengthening the Buddhist Tourism Network

The Association of Buddhist Tour Operators (ABTO), the event’s co-organizer, plays a strategic role in uniting Buddhist tourism operators across Asia. With members from India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka, ABTO promotes cultural exchange and knowledge sharing.

The involvement of AATO strengthens this network by bringing a fresh island perspective to pilgrimage tourism. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with their indigenous cultures and historical landmarks like the Cellular Jail, are increasingly seen as an important addition to India’s diverse tourism palette.

Looking Ahead: The Future of India-Sri Lanka Tourism Collaboration

As the FAM tour concluded, participants echoed a shared vision of deeper cooperation. Delegates are expected to submit reports to their respective tourism boards, outlining actionable insights and proposing collaborative initiatives.

These recommendations may include:

Development of dual-nation Buddhist travel itineraries.
Establishment of cross-border tourism task forces.
Exchange programs for tourism professionals and students.
Promotion of sustainability-focused training and certifications.

Conclusion

The participation of AATO President Shri M. Vinod in the Sri Lanka FAM Tour is a milestone in fostering stronger ties between two of the Indian Ocean’s most vibrant island destinations. It reflects a larger shift toward integrated tourism strategies in South Asia, driven by sustainability, spirituality, and smart collaboration.

As the tourism sectors of both nations evolve post-pandemic, initiatives like these will be crucial for building trust, expanding markets, and sharing expertise. For stakeholders in Andaman, Sri Lanka, and beyond, this tour signals the beginning of a promising chapter in regional travel cooperation.

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