Discovering Sri Lanka: Travel Counsellors experience this captivating country first-hand

Back in August, we announced the first of our exclusive portfolio of product trips, and we’ve just welcomed back 26 Travel Counsellors who took part in three unforgettable journeys across the incredible island of Sri Lanka throughout October.

A journey through three unique itineraries

We worked with our valued DMC partner, Columbus Tours, to curate three immersive itineraries which were based on our Travel Counsellors’ own personal experience of Sri Lanka.

The ‘Introduction to Sri Lanka’ itinerary was designed for first-time visitors, and offered a taste of the county’s highlights - from climbing the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and sipping tea in the misty hills of Nuwara Eliya, to spotting leopards in Yala National Park and unwinding on the golden beaches of Bentota.

The second trip - ‘Sri Lanka Rediscovered’ - gave our business owners with some existing destination experience the chance to explore both Sri Lanka’s ancient heritage and its modern luxury. They wandered among the sacred ruins of Anuradhapura, admired the sweeping views from Ella’s Nine Arches Bridge, and experienced the contrast of serene coastal escapes and lush, rolling countryside.

Finally, ‘Sri Lanka – Off the Beaten Path’ was enjoyed by four Travel Counsellors who already have extensive knowledge of country. Despite some last-minute changes due to the weather, this special itinerary focused on lesser-known areas and experiences, including a stay at a working coconut plantation at Horathapola, game drives in the quieter Wilpattu and Kaudulla National Parks and a luxury beachfront retreat in Kosgoda.

Bringing the destination to life

These journeys form part of our ongoing commitment to helping Travel Counsellors ‘live the destinations they sell’, equipping them with first-hand knowledge, trusted supplier connections, and the confidence to create truly bespoke experiences for their customers.

As our community continues to explore the world through our exclusive product trips, one thing is clear — nothing beats experiencing the magic of a destination in person.

Travel Counsellor, Dean McMackin, who attended the beginner’s trip, said: “This has to be up there with one of the best product trips I’ve ever been on, both from a personal and professional perspective. The team from Columbus were incredible, so welcoming, knowledgeable, and passionate about sharing Sri Lanka’s history and culture. Their insight really stood out for me. I feel 100% confident in selling so many more Sri Lanka products and I’ve already put together some Sri Lanka quotes since returning.”

Ready to take your knowledge to the next level?

If you’re passionate about setting up your own travel business and value hands-on experiences to help you grow your business, look no further than Travel Counsellors. With our next product trips to South Africa expected to take flight in June 2026, plus a whole host of other familiarisation trips already in the schedule, there’s never been a more exciting time to join. Book onto one of our Discovery events to find out more.