Airbnb and the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), the national tourism ministry, today announced a strategic partnership to launch Airbnb Experiences in Sri Lanka and drive local, authentic and sustainable tourism across the country.

Through this Asia-first partnership, Airbnb and SLTDA will work together to onboard local experience hosts onto the Airbnb platform and help local people from across Sri Lanka share their passions and interests with travelers from around the world.

Travellers can now choose from more than 40 Airbnb Experiences in Sri Lanka designed and led by local experts. Our Sri Lankan hosts offer a wide range of Experiences, from heritage trails in Galle to surfing experiences in Mirissa, and adventure walks in Sri Lanka’s national parks to discovering the best local food spots in Colombo.

“We’re delighted to sign this partnership with the Sri Lankan Tourism Ministry – the first partnership of its kind in Asia. Through this Asia-first partnership, travelers, led by passionate local hosts, will be able to immerse themselves in unique cultural experiences across Sri Lanka.” Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb's Country Manager India & Sri Lanka said addressing the gathering.

“We are excited to work with Airbnb to promote experiences in Sri Lanka and we are of the view that an engagement of this nature would be of great value to the tourism industry of Sri Lanka. We look forward to offer a high-level of commitment to support Airbnb Experiences and use this opportunity to add value to the tourism experience that Sri Lanka offers.” Kavan Ratnayaka, Chairman, SLTDA added.

“Through the partnership announced today, we’re excited to work with the Sri Lankan government to promote tourism that is local, authentic and sustainable. Airbnb experience hosts are the embodiment of healthy travel. Our Sri Lankan hosts are local micro-entrepreneurs sharing their passions to earn vital income, while providing the kind of authentic experiences that tourists want.” said Thao Nguyen, Airbnb’s APAC Head of Strategic Partnerships