International Tourism Leaders’ Summit concludes under patronage of President

THE International Tourism Leaders’ Summit 2025 took place this week at BMICH in Colombo, bringing together key industry lead-rs, policymakers, academics, and global partners to mark World Tourism Day under United Nations World Tourism Organisation's (UNWTO) theme of “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.” President and Finance Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake also attended the summit, which was seen as strong endorsement of the tourism sector’ role in shaping the country’s economy and future.

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‘Alumni Association of Tourism Economics & Hospitality ‘Management (AATEHM) President Nihal Muhandiram said that the gathering had brought together all stakeholders of the tourism sector on World Tourism Day. He said that Sri Lanka is well placed to be leading destination with all the resources it already has.

He added that Colombo should become the leading travel mart in South Asia, noting that the Colombo Travel Mart had been organ-ised with that aim. "Several other programs including a career and job fair were held to create opportunities for young people and professionals. People want better prospects and tourism can provide them. We must keep working towards this collective goal with the support of everyone,’ he said.

University of Colombo Prof. Suranga Silva said that the summit was more than a conference. He said that the involvement of all stakeholders showed the direction in which the sector was moving. He explained that young people must be inspired to see tourism as an industry they love and want to work in. "knowledge must be continuously renewed. That is why we organised programs such as research symposiums and school tourism club competitions. Tourism has supported the country at all difficult times including the Covid-19 pandemic, and future challenges must be faced with knowledge, skills, and data-driven strategies. It’s very important that the academia and industry work together to develop the sector.”

University of Colombo Vice Chancellor Prof. Indika Mahesh Karunathilake, spoke of the need for a long-term plan for tourism. He said that this required close cooperation between the Government, private companies, and local communities. He also said that the younger generation including university students must see tourism as a career that offers stability and growth, which can only be achieved if the industry evolves with global standards.