Virtual ‘Discover Ceylon’ opens new pathway for Sri Lanka tourism
Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is embracing digital innovation with “Discover Ceylon,” an immersive virtual experience designed to attract a new generation of global travellers through gaming.
Developed by Sea Pony Studios (Pvt) Ltd in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and endorsed by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), the initiative targets international audiences of any age group often overlooked by traditional tourism campaigns
Hosted on Roblox, a platform with over 132 million daily users, the game allows players to explore Sri Lanka’s key destinations, including Colombo, Kandy, Ella and the southern coast. Iconic landmarks and everyday cultural elements from tuk-tuk rides to roadside food experiences, are recreated to provide an authentic and engaging virtual journey.
Early results from the January 2026 pilot phase indicate strong global interest. The game recorded over five million impressions and more than 55,000 players within two weeks, alongside a notable 7-day retention rate of 72%. These figures, achieved with minimal promotional spending, highlight the platform’s effectiveness as a low-cost, high-impact marketing tool.
A distinctive feature of “Discover Ceylon” is its ability to convert virtual engagement into real-world tourism. Through in-game missions, users can unlock promotional offers for hotels and airline tickets, creating a direct link between gameplay and travel decisions. The platform also presents new opportunities for tourism-related businesses. Hotels, airlines and travel operators can integrate their brands into the virtual environment, engaging users in a non-intrusive and interactive manner. E-commerce integration further enables real-time purchasing, strengthening the connection between digital exposure and revenue generation.
Designed as a child-friendly and culturally rich experience, the game is regularly updated to reflect Sri Lanka’s festive calendar, ensuring continued user engagement. As competition for global tourists intensifies, “Discover Ceylon” demonstrates how digital platforms can reshape destination marketing positioning Sri Lanka to reach wider audiences and transform online interest into actual visits.
Source : Daily News
