Cinnamon Future of Tourism Summit 2019 to explore ‘Challenges and Growth in the Face of a Crisis’

• Over 10 globally renowned destination marketers invited including CNN’s Richard Quest

Recognising the need to uplift Sri Lanka’s travel industry in the wake of 4/21, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is set to host the third edition of the Future of Tourism Summit (FOT 2019), on 23 September, at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo. 

Running under the theme ‘Challenges and Growth in the Face of a Crisis’, this year’s event will bring together top global destination experts, so they can share their specialist knowledge and insights on how tourism industries can implement sustainable strategies in the long-run and recover and rebuild following a variety of incidents ranging from terror attacks, to natural disasters. 

With tourism often contributing substantially to economic growth of different nations, it is imperative that travel brands and industry professionals alike have the tools and know-how needed to respond to and recover after a period of crisis. 

This year’s FOT 2019 summit will feature an exclusive line-up of speakers and in-depth talks with top destination marketers and travel industry professionals. The summit will kick-off with a special discussion with Richard Quest, with his comprehension on the future of tourism locally and globally, followed by the keynote speaker of FOT 2019, Anita Mendiratta (Special Advisor to the Secretary-General, UNWTO) who will explore her topic ‘Rising Above – Emerging Stronger Through Crisis’. 

The summit will have its first group talk on ‘Facing a Crisis’ with Puneet Chhatwal (Managing Director and CEO of IHCL), Dileep Mudadeniya (Vice President of John Keells Group and Head of Brand Marketing – Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts),  which will be moderated by Oliver Martin (TV moderator, speaker and trainer). 

The summit will also feature Sarah Mathews – from Trip Advisor, Michael Yam – CEO and Managing Director of Impetus Alliance and Zubin Karkaria – CEO of Kuoni Travel who will share their insights and industry experience in handling unforeseen challenges and rebuilding business operations. The group talk will focus on hospitality best practices, implementing a winning destination campaign and a recovery marketing plan with reference to case studies from Egypt, Bali and Taj Hotels.

An investor forum discussion consisting of a panel of Mr. Dillip Rajakariar (CEO of Minor Hotel Group), Malik Fernando (Hotelier), Krishan Balendra (Chairman of John Keells Holdings) and Shiromal Cooray (Chairman, Jetwing Hotels) which will be moderated by Murtaza Jafferjee (Managing Director – JB Securities Ltd). The conference will also feature speakers, Finn Taylor (Senior Vice President of Touring Shows – Cirque du Soleil) who will address the role of entertainment in destination rebuilding, Olivier Ponti (Vice President, Insight Forwardkeys) on Travel Trends and Airline Survey Studies followed by speakers, Damian Cook (Founder and CEO of E-Tourism Frontier) and Vesta Ratkeviciute (Sr. Regional Communications and Marketing Consultant – Southeast Asia Euromonitor International). The forum will draw to an end with a final panel discussion moderated by Oliver Martin.

Commenting on the FOT Summit 2019, Dileep Mudadeniya, Vice President John Keells Holdings, Head of Brand Marketing Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts and CEO Cinnamon Life Mall stated: “As pioneers of this innovative industry event, Cinnamon Hotel & Resorts constantly strives to spearhead local and regional industry growth and progress. Developing a strong recovery strategy, strengthening our ability to address a crisis and act on it effectively and taking all the vibrancy and diversity that our nation has to offer as a destination, to the world are all key priorities in the coming months. This event will provide industry professionals and those who are passionate about business with the tools, tips, insights and understanding that they need to take our tourism industry forward, keeping sustainability in mind. We are a resilient nation and a country that has the ability to unite and come together to achieve positive change. The support for Sri Lanka in the global industry has been a powerful reminder of how well-loved our country and our people are, and we are well-positioned to rise up and build up.”      

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts marked its first-ever ‘Future of Tourism’ Summit in 2015 to commemorate World Tourism Day, and featured global experts exploring future tourism trends. FOT 2017 was centred on the theme of ‘Technology, Innovation and Authenticity’ with 13 globally renowned speakers addressing the conference and 400 members present. Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is a chain comprising 14 distinct hotels and resorts located in key areas across Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The brand embodies a passion for inspired living and promises holistic and enhanced experiences that are tailor-made to suit the specific interests of travellers. The Cinnamon brand focuses on delivering memorable holidays and getaways that deliver exceptional standards of service whilst showcasing the warmth and vibrancy of contemporary Sri Lankan hospitality. 

Want to meet and engage with leaders in destination marketing? Book your space now: www.futureoftourism.com.