Global tourism giants to speak at the Sri Lanka Economic Summit 2016

June, 27, 2016

Senior executives of the globally acclaimed tourism players such as Shangri-La International, Australian Tourism, AirBnB, DERTOUR and JKH are expected to take the podium at the upcoming Sri Lanka Economic Summit 2016 to discuss the country’s highly potential tourism sector.

Mr. Andrew Fairley, Director, Tourism Australia; Mr. Michael Cottan, Executive Vice President of Shangri-La Hotels, Mr. Mike Orgill, Director, Public Policy Affairs of Asia of AirBnB and Mr. Jorn Krausser, Vice President of Intercontinental Travel, DER Touristik, Germany will deliver the keynote speeches at the session 3 of the summit which will be held under the title ‘Tourism – Delivering the Potential’.

The keynote presentations would be followed by a panel discussion, which will be taken part by Mr. Krishan Balendra, President, Leisure Sector of John Keells Holdings PLC and Ms. Shiromal Cooray, the Managing Director of Jetwing Travels, the main in-bound tour operator arm of Jetwing will moderate the panel discussion.

Among the keynote speakers at the session 3 of the Sri Lanka Economic Summit 2016, Michael Cottan of Shangri-La, a 30 year industry veteran, manages the chain’s Europe, Middle East, North America and South Asian Portfolios.  He has more than 30 years of hospitality experience behind him.

Mike Orgill, manages the Airbnb’s public policy and government affairs activities across the Asia Pacific region and in this role he partners with governments and policy makers to develop new policy and regulatory frameworks for home sharing and the sharing economy.

Andrew Fairley has a long association with tourism, having been a Director of world renowned 5 star resort Turtle Island, Fiji from 1985 to 2007.

Jörn Krausser is currently responsible for the long-haul business operations of the German modular tour operator DERTOUR, DERTOUR Deluxe and ADAC Reisen. While Krishen Balendran, who will be the panelist is responsible for the Leisure Group and Stock Brokering arms of the John Keells Holdings.

The session 3 will focus on why, despite an abundance of natural treasures, historic sights, unique experiences, and a safe security climate, Sri Lanka tourism is yet to deliver on the much talked about promise.  If you wish to reserve your seat for this important and highly productive annual summit, please call on 0115588852 or email to events@chamber.lk

Video Story

Stock Market

Exchange Rates