Tourism is one of the worst hit sectors from the pandemic and as the industry recovers and restarts, we are presented with an opportunity to rethink how the future of travel and tourism can be shaped for the better.  It has pushed socio-economic structures into a standstill and has challenged globalization and global operations of enterprises. Businesses are yet to look at alternative methods of regaining business functionality, especially in areas of tourism that is adversely impacted.

The session on Tourism, Rethinking the Game Plan in Shaping Tourism of Tomorrow aims to answer some of burning questions within the industry, at the upcoming Sri Lanka Economic Virtual Summit (SLES) 2020. What are some of the short to medium term strategies Sri Lanka needs to adopt to restart and what more is needed to sharpen the tourism offering and experience in the next few years? What can we learn from countries that have reopened? How should we rethink our strategies in promoting Sri Lanka as a tourism destination? are some of the highlights to this session.

The presenters at this plenary will include International speaker Mr. Oliver Martin - Partner, Twenty31 Consulting Inc, and Ms. Kimarli Fernando - Chairperson, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) who will be joined by H.E Tan Yang Thai - High Commissioner of Malaysia to Sri Lanka & Maldives, Mr Sanath Ukwatte - Chairman, The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka, Mr Thilak Weerasinghe - President, Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators, Mr Vickum Nawagamuwage - Founder and CEO, Santani Resort. The session will be moderated by Mr. Hiran Cooray - Chairman, Jetwing Symphony PLC.

The flagship summit will be held on a virtual format in compliance with health guidelines and will bring together key policymakers, business leaders as well as the input of top international thought leaders that will come together to identify the steps in developing the pathway towards the accelerated and people centric revival of the country’s economy.