Speaking to The Financial Express at a meeting to announce the relaunch of Taj Samudra, Mr PK Mohan Kumar, area general manager (Sri Lanka), said following the Indo-Sri Lanka FTA (free trade agreement), the number of Indians, especially corporates, visiting Sri Lanka has increased and the Indians occupying Taj hotels has gone up by around 25 per cent. The group is looking at 100 per cent growth in traffic from India.

According to Mr Kumar, the hotel-chain is also looking at increasing corporate guests occupying its hotels in that country to 75 per cent by next year, from the current 52 per cent (about 20 per cent of that are Indians).

It has earmarked around Sri Lankan Rs 4 million to 5 million for promotions and marketing activities in India for the coming year, he said. The promotions, other than media advertisements, would involve roadshows, food festivals, supporting the activities of the Sri Lankan Tourism Authority and Sri Lankan Airlines in India, he said.

According to Mr Kumar, the group is planning to come out with holiday packages jointly with the Sri Lankan Airlines and Air India. It is currently talking to these international carriers for a collaboration. At present, it offers three/five/seven night packages including stay, food, airport transfers, a welcome drink and free stay for two children. The cost of the packages ranges from $ 460 to $ 940 for double occupancy. The group hotels in Sri Lanka also offer city/shopping tour packages, apart from excursions to nearby locations including Kandy/Pinnawela, Galle/turtle hatchery etc.