Tourism Leaders’ Summit and International Research Symposium 2016 tomorrow

The Department of Economics, University of Colombo takes pride in organising the Tourism Leaders’ Summit and International Research Symposium - 2016 on the theme of “Tourism for All – Promoting Universal Accessibility”, and The International Research Symposium under the theme of “Integration and Networking Sri Lanka Tourism Development for All”. These events will be held on 28th September 2016 at BMICH Colombo in parallel with the United Nations World Tourism Day Celebrations. 

Partners for the Tourism Leaders’ Summit and International Research Symposium 2016 include the Mount Lavinia Hotel, as the Hospitality Partner and the Kingsbury Hotel and Sri Lanka Tourism as Strategic Partners. Road to Rights, the Youth Led Organization, also comes on board as Youth Partner, while the Educational Partners are Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management, the Colombo Academy of Hospitality Management at SLIIT/William Angliss Institute - Sri Lanka and the Management Science Institute - Colombo, with Laksala being the Amenities Partner and Ceylon Biscuits serving as the Official Biscuit Partner.

Consolidating the boom in tourism development and tourism development activities in the country the Department of Economics, University of Colombo initiated The Tourism Leader’s Summit in 2015. Since then, the university has been working towards a clear vision to build a strong network amongst the key industry leaders and major stakeholders in Sri Lanka Tourism, targeting to develop Sri Lanka as one of the most sought after High – End and Value for Money Travel Destinations in the World by 2020. 

The International Research Symposium under the theme of “Integrating and Networking Sri Lanka Tourism Development for All” is scheduled to be held on 28th of September 2016. This event will be graced by University of Colombo Vice Chancellor Professor Lakshman Dissanayake, SLTDA Chairman  Paddy Withana, and distinguished individuals such as eminent academics (Vice  Chancellors), researchers from the UK, France, India, Thailand, Malaysia and Dubai whose key findings in scientific research and industry expertise (e.g. Representatives from the World Tourism Organizations) will be presented. This symposium will be one of the most reliable platforms to gather knowledge in shaping the tourism industry of Sri Lanka.

Professor Dr. Sandeep Kulshreshtha of Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management will comment on Comprehensive Implementation of Accessibility of Tourism for All. The Tourism Leader’s Summit will include several panel discussions on timely issues and concerns for tourism as a whole. Dr. Rohantha Athukorala, Chairman Lanka Sathosa Limited/former Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau will be chairing the panel Discussion on Comprehensive Implementation of Accessibility for the Community and Well-being, Raising Awareness, Tourism Promotion and Direction of Tourism Development.

Strategic Collaboration for Public, Private and People Partnership Tourism Development, Comprehensive Implementation of Accessibility of Tourism for All, Legal and Administrative Framework for of Tourism for Fair Treatment for All, Promoting Universal Tourism Accessibility for All, Global Best Practices and Strategic policy Decisions, 4th Industrial Revolution, Promoting Tourism Products; communication and promotion policy and advertising will be some of the topics that will be  addressed during the Tourism Leader’s Summit 2016.

Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management Director of Research & Innovation Centre Dr. Sanjaya Nadkarni, Taylor’s University Malaysia Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Pradeep Nair, NIDA Thailand Dean of the School of Tourism Management Professor Dr. Therdchai Choibamroong, - India’s Indira Gandhi State University Vice Chancellor Professor S. P. Bansal, University of Dhaka Department of Tourism & Hospitality Management Professor Dr. Syed Rashudul Hasan, China School of International Education Vice Dean Professor Dr. Wang Chunhong, and  China Tianjin Polytechnic University Vice Director Professor Dr. Zhang Xingguo, are to be the distinguished speakers at the Summit.

Dr. D. A. C. Suranga Silva, founder and the Coordinator of Tourism Study Program of the Department of Economics said: "Following the successful summit held last year, we have undoubtedly established a secure foundation for industry personnel to develop a constructive dialogue for tourism development in Sri Lanka. We consider it our national duty and responsibility to further strengthen this platform to contribute to the National Economy."