Tourism Leaders’ Summit and International Research Symposium in October

• Tourism Minister calls on academics to get involved in tourism development process
• 16 international eminent global speakers, 1,500 international and local delegates to take part this year’s summit and research symposium

By Charumini de Silva

The third edition of the Tourism Leaders’ Summit and International Research Symposium is all set to be staged in October to strengthen its position in the global tourism industry. 

From left: Tourism Leaders Summit and International Symposium Event Leader Roshi Stronach, Tourism Leaders Summit and International Symposium the Lecturer in Charge Kasun Abeynayaka, Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management Chairman and BMICH Director General Sunil Dissanayake, Colombo University Master in Tourism Economics and Hotel Management Founder and Coordinator Dr. Suranga Silva, Tourism Development and Christian Development Minister John Amaratunga, Rev. Prof. W. Wimalarathne - The Head Department of Economics University of Colombo and SLTDA Director Upali Rathnayake

This year’s summit and international research symposium, titled ‘Sustainable Tourism for Development: Way forward for Sri Lanka’, is an annual flagship event organised by Alumni Association of the Tourism Economics and Hospitality Management (AATHEM), Department of Economics, Faculty of Arts, University of Colombo and Ministry of Tourism Development. 

While the International Research Symposium will be held on 3 October, the Tourism Leaders’ Summit will be held on 4 October at the BMICH in Colombo under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena as the Chief Guest.

Addressing a media briefing in Colombo, Tourism Development Minister John Amaratunga called on more academics to get involved in the tourism development process, noting that it was one key sector that trickles down its benefits to the lowest levels in the community.

He said academic input for the development of tourism was not something that was on the national agenda in the past, but now the time has come to involve this vital sector so that Sri Lanka can leverage it to deliver optimum results for the benefit of the economy and more importantly to the people.

He believes nearly 1,500 local and foreign industry professionals will take part in the main event, where 800 have already confirmed participation. 

“This summit will bring together industry professionals from across the world, which will help raise Sri Lanka’s standing as a leading authority on tourism development,” Amaratunga added.

He commended the efforts of the University of Colombo for hosting this important annual event to uplift the industry.

The Tourism Leaders’ Summit and International Research Symposium is organised in line with the United Nations’ World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) World Tourism Day on 27 September celebrations and emulate the global theme accompanied by a relevant local focus.

While unveiling the official logo and trailer for this year’s annual project, it also shared core objectives that is meant to bring tourism and hospitality sector professionals, practitioners, academia and policy makers to a single platform to create a national discourse to promulgate tourism as one of the key driving forces of Sri Lanka’s economy.

Founder of Masters in Tourism Economics and Hotel Management University of Colombo Dr. D.A.C. Suranga Silva was of the view that this year has given Sri Lanka a great opportunity to transform country’s tourism into a sector of prosperity and wellbeing.

“Sustainability of our tourism can be ensured only if such tourism development guarantees the wellbeing of our people, prosperity for all, durable peace to the nation, protected environment and strengthened partnership will all key stakeholders,” he said. More specifically Dr. Silva stressed that all inclusive and participatory tourism can spur dialogue, foster mutual understanding and support efforts towards building the pride of the nation.

He pointed out that this event is held to stimulate and keep towards the direction of Sri Lanka tourism Development for the economic viability, local prosperity, employment quality, social equity, visitor fulfillment, local control, community wellbeing, cultural richness, physical integrity, bio diversity, resource efficiency, fair trade and environment purity.

The third edition of the Tourism Leaders’ Summit will discuss four key topics: ‘Sri Lanka Tourism Vision 2025: A Contemporary Review of Sri Lanka Tourism Vision 2025,’ ‘Role of Diplomatic Mission and International Organisations for Sri Lanka Tourism,’ ‘Global Best Practices for Tourism in Sri Lanka’ and ‘Implementation of Key Driving Forces for Future of Sri Lanka Tourism 2020’.

In addition, the International Research Symposium will encourage the academics to present papers on five main subjects highlighted by the UNWTO for this year, including: ‘Inclusive and Sustainable Economic  Growth, Social Inclusiveness, Employment and Poverty Reduction,’ ‘Resource Efficiency, Environmental Protection and Climate Change,’ ‘Cultural Values, Diversity and Heritage’ and ‘Mutual Understanding, Peace and Security’.

According to the organisers, 16 international eminent speakers from France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, UK, Japan, Australia, Malaysia, Thailand, UAE, Bangladesh and India are to take part in the summit and share their experiences, insights, knowledge to harness local expertise and vice versa.

There will also be a series of fringe events on the sidelines of this summit and symposium.

The event is being held in partnership with BMICH, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM), Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB), Bank of Ceylon, Turkish Airlines, Mount Lavinia Hotel, Antiquity, Coco Royal Beach Resort, Laksala, Ramada Colombo and Regent Spice Garden.

Pix by Ruwan Walpola