Sri Lanka bets on youth to power tourism’s future

• Initiative led by AATEHM of University of Colombo and SLITHM, endorsed by Education and Tourism Ministries
• Targets students from Grade 9 upwards with training in hospitality, sustainability and soft skills
• Provincial contests in September, national finals in Colombo with Travel Mart and Job Fair and Career Expo
• Research Conference and Leaders’ Summit draw experts from over 17 countries

Sri Lanka is set to commemorate the UN World Tourism Day 2025 with the launch of a landmark countrywide hospitality skills development program for secondary school students. The initiative is led by the Alumni Association of Tourism Economics and Hospitality Management (AATEHM) of University of Colombo, and the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM). It is endorsed by the Education Ministry 

and the Tourism Ministry.

The program is introduced under the national theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.” Its aim is to create vocational awareness, instil sustainable practices, and introduce students to professional hospitality standards. The initiative seeks to prepare young people with the skills to play an active role in Sri Lanka’s tourism economy.

The program is open to students from Grade 9 and above. It provides structured exposure to hospitality competencies through competitions and educational events. The approach reflects a broader national strategy to embed vocational training into the school system and prepare students with the skills, mindsets, and values needed for the future of tourism.

The initiative will unfold in two stages. Provincial competitions will take place at SLITHM regional centres and partner hotels across all nine provinces throughout September. Winners will then compete in national-level events in Colombo, including the Colombo Travel Mart, the Sri Lanka Tourism Job Fair and Career Expo, and the All-Island School Final Competition. The program will conclude with an award ceremony and SME awareness session at BMICH in early October.

The Colombo Travel Mart 2025 will be the flagship event of the celebrations. Hosted at One Galle Face, it will feature 75 exhibition stalls and bring together tour operators, travel agents, hoteliers, and international buyers. It will create new opportunities for partnerships and expand Sri Lanka’s global tourism footprint.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Job Fair and Career Expo, organised by AATEHM and the Sustainable Tourism Unit with the support of SLTDA, SLAITO, SLITHM, and the University of Colombo, will take place on 28 September. It will connect students, job seekers, and professionals with employers and training institutions, highlighting the central role of youth in shaping the future of tourism.

Two major knowledge-sharing events will complement the program. The 10th International Tourism Research Conference will bring together scholars from over 17 countries to explore strategies for sustainable transformation. The 10th International Tourism Leaders’ Summit will host global and local leaders for high-level discussions on policy, innovation, and partnerships. Together, these events underline Sri Lanka’s position as a thought leader in sustainable tourism and policy innovation.

The initiative not only builds practical hospitality skills, but also cultivates essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. By embedding sustainability into the competition framework, it encourages students to consider the environmental, social, and cultural dimensions of tourism while gaining hands-on experience.