Sri Lanka shines at World Travel Market 2025: Showcasing island’s tourism excellence to world

In collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), the High Commission of Sri Lanka in London has marked a remarkable level of participation by the nation’s tourism industry at World Travel Market (WTM) 2025, held from 4–6 November 2025 at the ExCel London. A delegation of 92 leading travel and tourism partners represented the island, highlighting its vibrant and rapidly growing tourism sector to an international audience. The Sri Lanka Pavilion provided a dynamic platform for B2B meetings, networking, and collaboration between global travel and hospitality professionals.

During his welcome remarks at the opening of the Sri Lanka Pavilion, High Commissioner Nimal Senadheera expressed his appreciation to all partners and participants, noting that their collective effort created a powerful platform to showcase the island as a premier global destination. He highlighted that over 1.8 million visitors had already been welcomed by Sri Lanka in 2025, with the United Kingdom remaining the second-largest source market, contributing more than 170,000 arrivals by October. The Pavilion was also graced by The Lord Hannett of Everton OBE, the United Kingdom’s Trade Envoy to Sri Lanka, who praised the strong partnership between the two nations and emphasised the importance of continued collaboration in trade, tourism, and culture. SLTPB Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam noted that Sri Lanka’s renewed focus on sustainable tourism, wellness, and wildlife reflected its commitment to responsible, high-quality growth and meaningful travel experiences.

Parallel to the Sri Lanka Pavilion, a press conference was held on 5 November at WTM, bringing together a significant gathering of UK travel and tourism media, journalists, and PR representatives. The event provided a high-profile platform to share the latest developments in the sector, including government priorities, enhanced air connectivity through Sri Lankan Airlines, and sustainable tourism initiatives. Speakers included High Commissioner Senadheera, SLTPB Chairman, SLTPB Director of Marketing Dushan Wickramasuriya, Regional Manager Europe and Americas at Sri Lankan Airlines Chinthaka Weerasinghe, and, BGTW Chair Chris Coe. Also present at the head table were SLAITO President Nalin Jayasundera and, THASL President M. Shanthikumar representing the country’s travel and hospitality sectors.

Visitors to the Sri Lanka Pavilion were treated to a vibrant celebration of the island’s culture and heritage, featuring traditional dance performances and the serving of renowned Ceylon Tea, offering guests an authentic taste of the island’s warmth and hospitality. The Pavilion at WTM 2025 once again reaffirmed the country’s position as a resilient, innovative, and welcoming destination, ready to inspire travellers and strengthen global tourism partnerships. Sri Lanka shines at World Travel Market 2025: Showcasing island’s tourism excellence to world | Daily FT

Read More........ → December 23, 2025

Bajaj Finance loses over Rs 19,000 crore in market valuation this week

IANS Photo

Mumbai, December 14 (IANS): Bajaj Finance emerged as the biggest loser among India’s most valued companies last week, as its market capitalisation fell sharply by Rs 19,289.7 crore amid a largely bearish trend in the stock market.

Overall, eight of the top-10 most valued domestic firms together saw their market valuation erode by Rs 79,129.21 crore during the week.

The weak performance came as the BSE benchmark index slipped by 444.71 points, or 0.51 per cent -- reflecting cautious investor sentiment in equities.

Bajaj Finance’s market capitalisation declined to Rs 6,33,106.69 crore, making it the worst-hit stock among the top companies.

ICICI Bank followed closely, with its valuation tumbling by Rs 18,516.31 crore to Rs 9,76,668.15 crore.

Bharti Airtel also faced heavy losses, as its market value dropped by Rs 13,884.63 crore to Rs 11,87,948.11 crore.

State Bank of India saw its valuation fall by Rs 7,846.02 crore, taking its market capitalisation to Rs 8,88,816.17 crore.

IT major Infosys lost Rs 7,145.95 crore from its valuation, which stood at Rs 6,64,220.58 crore at the end of the week.

Tata Consultancy Services saw its market capitalisation decline by Rs 6,783.92 crore to Rs 11,65,078.45 crore, while HDFC Bank’s valuation dipped by Rs 4,460.93 crore to Rs 15,38,558.71 crore.

Life Insurance Corporation of India was the least impacted among the losers, with its market value eroding by Rs 1,201.75 crore to Rs 5,48,820.05 crore.

In contrast, Reliance Industries and Larsen & Toubro were the only two gainers in the top-10 list. Reliance Industries added Rs 20,434.03 crore to its market capitalisation, which rose to Rs 21,05,652.74 crore.Larsen & Toubro’s valuation increased by Rs 4,910.82 crore to Rs 5,60,370.38 crore. Despite the mixed performance, HDFC Bank, Bharti Airtel, TCS, ICICI Bank, State Bank of India, Infosys, Bajaj Finance, Larsen & Toubro and LIC remained among the most valued company in the country. Bajaj Finance loses over Rs 19,000 crore in market valuation this week | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

Read More........ → December 13, 2025

India's tyre industry projected to see robust growth in current fiscal

New Delhi, (IANS): Driven by consistent investments in capacity expansion, improved manufacturing efficiency and a stronger focus on R&D capabilities, India's tyre industry is projected to see a robust growth in the current fiscal (FY26).

According to sector leaders, citing industry data, the domestic tyre industry is expected to achieve strong growth on the back of the strong domestic replacement demand despite muted OE (original equipment) offtakes.

The replacement demand will likely be supported by factors like favourable rural sentiments, festive demand, and expected rate cut effect on consumption, even as urban demand is soft, according to analysts.

The festive season, recent repo rate cuts, and favourable monsoon conditions are expected to boost consumer sentiment.

A recent Crisil Ratings report mentioned that India’s tyre sector will see steady revenue growth of 7-8 per cent during the current financial year, driven by replacement demand that accounts for half of annual sales.

Rising premiumisation is expected to give a slight leg-up to realisations. However, escalating trade tensions and the risk of dumping by Chinese producers diverting inventories because of US tariffs could pose challenges, the report states.

Operating profitability is likely to remain steady at 13-13.5 per cent, supported by stable input costs and healthy capacity utilisation.

“This, along with strong accruals, lean balance sheets and calibrated capital spending, should help sustain the sector’s stable credit outlook,” according to the report.

The report was based on an analysis of India’s top six tyre makers, catering to all vehicle segments and accounting for 85 per cent of the sector’s approximately Rs one lakh crore revenue. Domestic demand remains the mainstay, propelling around 75 per cent of total volume, with exports making up the rest.According to Crisil Ratings senior director Anuj Sethi. volume growth is seen at 5-6 per cent this fiscal, mirroring last fiscal. The replacement segment, accounting for around 50 per cent of volume, is set to grow 6-7 per cent on the back of a large vehicle base, strong freight movement and rural recovery. India's tyre industry projected to see robust growth in current fiscal | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com

Read More........ → September 05, 2025