Cinnamon hosts top global destination experts for Future of Tourism Summit 2019

• CNN’s Richard Quest leads a line-up of star speakers and distinguished panellists sharing insights and strategies to power sustainable industry recovery

On 23 September, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts will host the highly anticipated third edition of the Future of Tourism Summit (FOT 2019), facilitating the resurgence of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry at an accelerated pace. Exploring topics under the timely theme Challenges and Growth in Crisis, this year’s summit has attracted some of the world’s top destination experts, helmed by CNN’s foremost business correspondent Richard Quest. 

Endorsed by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), FOT 2019 will focus on sensitive topics that will bring to light the recovery and rebuilding efforts of an industry such as tourism that contributes substantially to the economic growth of many countries around the world. With the specialist knowledge of the participating global experts and local industry leaders, the Summit will address a myriad of topics under the theme, discussing insights and sustainable strategies that can be integral in overcoming challenges faced by the hospitality and tourism industry of a travel destination such as Sri Lanka.

Leading this year’s exclusive line up of speakers is Richard Quest – famed CNN international correspondent, business editor and host of Quest Means Business, who will also hold a special discussion on the future of tourism both locally and globally with none other than the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe. Other star speakers include Anita Mendiratta – Special Advisor to the Secretary General of the UNWTO, who will kick-off the summit with her keynote address on her topic ‘Rising Above – Emerging Stronger through Crisis’. Puneet Chhatwal – Managing Director and CEO of Taj Hotels – TATA Group, will share his own experiences and initiatives through his topic ‘Recovering from a Crisis and rebuilding the brand’. 

“We first launched the Future of Tourism Summit to focus on innovative industry initiatives that powered the rise of Sri Lanka as one of the world’s major tourist destinations,” John Keells Holdings Vice President, Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts Head of Brand Marketing and Cinnamon Life Mall CEO Dileep Mudadeniya commented. “In continuing our innovative approach, we are taking the opportunity of fully utilising the Summit as a global platform to discuss timely topics, and spearhead sustainable growth across the local tourism industry with insights, understanding and innovative tools, supported by a global network of industry leaders.”

Mudadeniya will be joined by both Puneet Chhatwal and Anita Mendiratta with Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Chairman Kishu Gomes, during FOT 2019 for a panel discussion on ‘Building a recovery marketing plan for all sectors’ moderated by E-Tourism Frontiers CEO Damian Cook, who is also scheduled to speak at the event on ‘Priority actions, partners and channels when connecting with resilient markets’.

The summit will also feature Book My Show Founder and CEO Ashish Hemrajani, who will speak on the ‘Role of Entertainment in Destination Rebuilding’, TrendOne GmBh Partner Rene Massati, on ‘Use of Design Thinking for Creative Solutions in Marketing’, at Southeast Asia Euromonitor International Senior Regional Communications and Marketing Consultant Vesta Ratkeviciute, on ‘Global Consumer Trends; Opportunities for the Travel Industry’, Impetus Alliance CEO and Managing Director Michael Yam, on ‘The breakthrough in Investment tourism’, STR Business Development Manager, Central and South Asia Vidhi Godiawala, on ‘Post recovery of Accommodation Sector – Lessons from other Destinations’ and DER Touristik UK CEO Derek Jones, on ‘Building Destination Confidence Amongst Tour Operators’.

An Investor Forum will also be conducted by a panel consisting of Minor Hotel Group CEO Dillip Rajakarier, Resplendent Ceylon Managing Director Malik Fernando, John Keells Holdings Chairman Krishan Balendra, Santani Resort and Spa Founder and CEO Vickum Nawagamuwage, and Jetwing Hotels Chairman Shiromal Cooray, and will be moderated by JB Securities CEO Murtaza Jafferjee. FOT 2019 will come to a close with a panel discussion between Sarah Mathews (Head of Destination Marketing APAC, Trip Advisor). Later they will be joined by Vidhi Godiawala, Derek Jones and Vesta Ratkevicuite for a Q & A session moderated by Cook himself.

Cinnamon Future of Tourism Summit endorsed by United Nations World Tourism Organisation, International Media Partner – CNN Travel, in association with Mercedes Benz Sprinter by Dimo, Powered by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Destination Partner – So Sri Lanka, Electronic Media Partner – YES101 & Legends96.6, Airline Partner – SriLankan Airlines, Mobile Partner – Mobitel, Digital Partner – Xiteb, Strategic Partner –Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, European Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka, Luxury Transport Partner – Transcend Drive, Print Media – Sunday Times, Daily Mirror, Daily FT. 

Want to meet and engage with leaders in destination marketing? Book your space now: www.cinnamonboxoffice.com or www.futureoftourism.com or call on 071 711 8111.