The Global Tourism Forum 2022 at Shangri La Hambantota

In light of the 42^nd edition of World Tourism Day held under the theme “Rethinking Tourism”, Shangri-La Hambantota hosted The Global Tourism Forum – Sri Lanka 2022 to bring together communities in and around the Hambantota district to collaborate, engage and rethink tourism in Sri Lanka and discuss solutions to the unique challenges faced in this part of the world. The event was held in partnership with Lion Brewery Ceylon PLC. 

The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Chevaan Daniel, Group Director – Capital Maharaja Group. He shed light on how Sri Lanka has a history of sustainable tourism deeply ingrained into our heritage, how this has eroded over the years and how we can pivot during the current times, draw on our past experience and generate innovate solutions for the future of tourism in Sri Lanka. He emphasized on the importance of including local communities at a grassroots level and implementing practical solutions whilst preserving our heritage. 

Dr. Rohantha Athukorala, Former Chairman Sri Lanka Tourism and Sri Lanka Export Development Board, delivered a case study on the importance of facts-based research and case studies which plays a pivotal role in informing the decision-making process when it comes to implementing a strong policy framework and best practices related to Sri Lanka’s tourism industry. 

Key insights from the panel discussion included the need to strengthen the brand identity of Sri Lanka as a tourist destination; delving into our heritage to craft unique, memorable travel experiences for tourists, focusing on localization within our culinary industry, and tapping into MICE travel. 

Rotary International in Sri Lanka and Maldives launched two special events at Shangri-La Hambantota to commemorate World Tourism Day. Firstly, their campaign “What’s Your Tree Story?” was launched with a tree planting ceremony to mark the occasion. The objective of the campaign is to see one million trees planted in Sri Lanka. 

Rotary International in Sri Lanka and Maldives also signed a partnership with UNICEF. UNICEF pledged to donate USD 10 million in order to purchase necessary medicines for underprivileged communities. 

Mr. Raj Goonesekara, cycled 259km from Shangri-La Colombo all the way to Shangri-La Hambantota as part of a campaign titled #RideForTourism which aims to highlight sustainable tourism. 

The Panelists present at the event were Dr. Rajiv Meewakkala – CEO, Lion Brewery Ceylon PLC Nalaka Amarathunga – CEO, Walkers Tours, Gowri Ranjan – Director, Sun Match Company, Krishni Samaraweera – CEO, Summer Explorers and Dr. Rohantha Athukorala Former Chairman Sri Lanka Tourism and Sri Lanka Export Development Board moderated the panel discussion