Global tourism giants to speak at Sri Lanka Economic Summit 2016

Senior executives of the globally acclaimed tourism players such as Shangri-La International, Australian Tourism, AirBnB, DERTOUR and JKH are expected to take the podium at the upcoming Sri Lanka Economic Summit 2016 to discuss the country’s highly potential tourism sector.

Tourism Australia Director Andrew Fairley, Shangri-La Hotels Executive Vice President Michael Cottan, AirBnB Director Public Policy Affairs of Asia Mike Orgill and DER Touristik, Germany Vice President of Intercontinental Travel Jorn Krausser, will deliver the keynote speeches at the session 3 of the summit which will be held under the title ‘Tourism – Delivering the Potential’.

The keynote presentations would be followed by a panel discussion, which will be taken part by John Keells Holdings PLC Leisure Sector President Krishan Balendra and Shiromal Cooray, Managing Director of Jetwing Travels, the main in-bound tour operator arm of Jetwing will moderate the panel discussion.

Among the keynote speakers at the session 3 of the Sri Lanka Economic Summit 2016, Michael Cottan of Shangri-La, a 30 year industry veteran, manages the chain’s Europe, Middle East, North America and South Asian Portfolios. He has more than 30 years of hospitality experience behind him.

Mike Orgill manages the Airbnb’s public policy and government affairs activities across the Asia Pacific region and in this role he partners with governments and policy makers to develop new policy and regulatory frameworks for home sharing and the sharing economy.

Andrew Fairley has a long association with tourism, having been a Director of world renowned five-star resort Turtle Island, Fiji from 1985 to 2007.

Jörn Krausser is currently responsible for the long-haul business operations of the German modular tour operator DERTOUR, DERTOUR Deluxe and ADAC Reisen. While Krishen Balendran, who will be the panellist is responsible for the Leisure Group and Stock Brokering arms of the John Keells Holdings. 

The session 3 will focus on why, despite an abundance of natural treasures, historic sites, unique experiences, and a safe security climate, Sri Lanka tourism is yet to deliver on the much talked about promise. 

If you wish to reserve your seat for this important and highly productive annual summit, please call on 0115588852 or email to [email protected].