Not In The Guidebooks hosts Sri Lanka fam in partnership with Atas

Not In The Guidebooks has reported “overwhelmingly positive” feedback from agents who joined the specialist’s fam trip to Sri Lanka, held in partnership with the Association of Touring & Adventure Suppliers (Atas).

The 11-day educational was designed to showcase immersive, locally hosted travel to a group of five agents.

Experiences ranged from cooking with a local family and discovering the traditional agricultural practice of “toddy tapping” to exploring tea plantations with a retired planter and two contrasting safari styles.

Agents described the trip as “fantastic from start to finish” and said it “genuinely exceeded expectations.”

Driver‑guide Hilmy received unanimous 10/10 ratings for knowledge, warmth and professionalism.

Every agent reported increased confidence in selling Sri Lanka, praising the mix of eco‑lodges, homestays, glamping and five‑star hotels.

One agent said: “I’ll be recommending both Sri Lanka and NITGB with genuine passion after this experience.”

The operator said the trip was delivered in association with Atas, “strengthening NITGB’s position within the adventure and touring sector and highlighting the shared mission to champion meaningful, responsible travel”.

Manisha Blair, trade marketing manager, commented: “It was fantastic to see Sri Lanka first-hand and show agents the true depth of the destination the NITGB way, truly authentic, flexible and private.”

She said NITGB has received several enquiries following the trip – and the momentum continued back home with a follow‑up webinar attended live by more than 100 agents, “signalling exceptional trade interest” in Sri Lanka and NITGB’s tailor‑made private touring product.

The agents on the trip won their trip in a prize draw as part of a training and booking incentive that ran last year.

Agents can enter a prize draw to win a place on an upcoming fam trip to Vietnam by making a booking, completing a survey or by attending webinars. The winners will be selected after the campaign closes on May 31.