Delhi, Oct 22: Jetwing Hotels, Sri Lanka’s renowned hospitality brand, in partnership with One Rep Global, its strategic India representation partner for the Jetwing Luxury Reserves portfolio, recently hosted a familiarisation trip for Indian travel advisors from 4–9 October 2026. The curated journey was designed to showcase Sri Lanka’s lesser-explored destinations, particularly the southeast of the island, highlighting its exceptional wildlife, natural landscapes, coastal experiences, rural heritage and distinctive luxury hospitality.
With a focus on encouraging Indian travellers to venture beyond the country’s more familiar destinations, the programme highlighted the diverse experiences available across Sri Lanka’s southeast and southern regions. It also sought to build awareness of the Pottuvil and Arugam Bay region, widely recognised for its surfing culture but equally compelling for its wildlife, nature and cultural experiences. These lesser-explored destinations present an opportunity for repeat visitors to discover a different side of Sri Lanka.
The itinerary commenced at Jetwing Lagoon Wellness, A Luxury Reserve, before taking the group to Jetwing Kaduruketha, where the advisors experienced the property’s rural setting and connection to Sri Lankan traditions. Highlights included a tea experience, early-morning birdwatching, guided paddy walks, a traditional Sri Lankan lunch in a mud hut and a tuk-tuk excursion to Buduruvagala Temple. An evening nature walk and an outdoor barbecue further showcased the property’s immersive countryside experiences.
The journey continued to Jetwing Surf & Safari, A Luxury Reserve, where the focus shifted to the natural landscapes and wildlife of Sri Lanka’s southeast. Experiences included a boat safari on Pottuvil Lagoon, an early-morning safari at Kumana National Park and a tuk-tuk excursion to Rotakulam Lake. The group enjoyed excellent wildlife sightings, including leopards at Kumana National Park, highlighting the area’s potential as an alternative for year-round wildlife experiences beyond the more established safari destination of Yala. The programme also introduced the advisors to the region’s surfing culture, complemented by a beachfront dining experience.
The group subsequently visited Jetwing Yala, A Luxury Reserve, for a property inspection and lunch, before proceeding to Jetwing Lighthouse, A Luxury Reserve, in Galle. The final leg offered an opportunity to explore the property’s distinctive architecture, hospitality and dining experiences, bringing together the diverse facets of Jetwing’s luxury portfolio. The itinerary concluded with time at Jetwing Lagoon Wellness ahead of departure.
Hemant Mediratta, Founder & CEO, One Rep Global, said,
“Sri Lanka offers Indian travellers a compelling combination of culture, nature, wellness and distinctive luxury experiences. This familiarisation trip was designed to give our travel trade partners a firsthand understanding of the diversity within Jetwing’s portfolio, while drawing attention to lesser-explored regions such as the southeast. From immersive rural retreats and exceptional wildlife encounters to distinctive coastal escapes, these experiences offer considerable potential for travellers looking to discover a different side of Sri Lanka. Experiencing these properties and their surrounding destinations enables advisors to curate more informed, personalised journeys for their clients. We are pleased to continue strengthening Jetwing Hotels’ engagement with the Indian travel trade through our partnership.”
Hashan Cooray, Director – Marketing and Development, Jetwing Hotels, Sri Lanka, said,
“India continues to be one of Sri Lanka’s most important markets, and we see tremendous potential to encourage Indian travellers, particularly those returning to Sri Lanka, to explore beyond the more familiar destinations. Through this familiarisation programme, we wanted to showcase the incredible diversity of experiences available in the southeast of the island, particularly around Pottuvil, from its exceptional year-round wildlife viewing opportunities and natural beauty to its unique coastal and cultural experiences. While the southern coast is already well known among Indian travellers, the southeast remains relatively unexplored and offers a wonderful opportunity to discover a different side of Sri Lanka. We hope that by giving our travel partners firsthand experience of these destinations, we can inspire more Indian travellers to venture into these lesser-visited regions and discover the many experiences our island has to offer. We are grateful to One Rep Global for their continued partnership in helping us showcase Sri Lanka to the Indian market.”
Kanika Kochhar, Founder & Chief Travel Curator, Travel Savvy, said,
“The FAM trip offered a wonderful opportunity to experience Sri Lanka beyond its familiar destinations, showcasing the country’s diversity through immersive cultural encounters, wildlife experiences, wellness and distinctive luxury stays. Each property brought its own character to the journey, from the tranquillity of Jetwing Kaduruketha to the wilderness experiences at Jetwing Surf & Safari. Experiencing these offerings firsthand gives us a deeper understanding of what we can curate for our clients, helping us create more personalised and meaningful travel experiences. Jetwing’s warm hospitality throughout the journey made it particularly memorable.”
The FAM trip reinforces Jetwing Hotels’ commitment to strengthening relationships with India’s travel trade while broadening awareness of Sri Lanka’s lesser-explored destinations. Through its partnership with One Rep Global, the brand continues to equip Indian travel advisors with firsthand knowledge of its diverse hospitality portfolio and the experiences available across the island, encouraging them to position Sri Lanka as a destination for immersive, personalised and experience-led luxury travel, including for repeat visitors seeking new discoveries.
