About The Tourism Leaders Summit & International Research Conference 2018

The Alumni Association of Tourism Economics and Hospitality Management (AATHEM) and the Students of the Tourism Study Programmes of the Department of Economics, University of Colombo is organizing the 5th Consecutive Tourism Leaders’ Summit (TLS) and International Tourism Research Conference (ITRC) in parallel to the official celebration of UNWTO World Tourism Day in Sri Lanka as national event in partnering with the Ministry of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs together with key stakeholders of Sri Lanka Tourism will be organized on 4th and 5th Oct 2018 at the BMICH-Colombo. It is expected to receive the highest state and international recognition for this summit and conference.

Tourism Leaders’ Summit and International Research Symposium which is part of the official World Tourism Day events held in Sri Lanka from 2015. Tourism Leaders’ Summit and International Research Symposium 2017 was privileged to have His Excellency the President Maithreepala Sirisena as the Chief guest for 3rd Summit in 2017.

Tourism Leaders’ Summit (TLS) and International Tourism Research Conference (ITRC)

Consequently, the comparative and comprehensive analysis on the application of current tourism strategies in Sri Lanka, more specifically "Tourism Strategic Plan (2017-2020) – A Story of Untapped Potential" will be carried out with the contribution of industry practitioners, public policy-makers, community organizations, international experts and eminent academics/researchers, under the guidelines of achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

• Create a platform to analytically discuss the key challenges and possible effective strategies for sustainable tourism development of the country with the case studies and global best practices to be shared by academia and industry professionals for their decision-making and right delivering of the expected outcomes.
• To enjoy the benefit of research carried out by the University of Colombo in diverse areas for the development of the industry.
• To link other overlooked and neglected economic sectors with the development of tourism through the promotion of fair trade and social enterprise.
• Develop the image of Sri Lanka Tourism aligned with the UNWTO World Tourism Day Celebration and also with the other key international tourism organizations
• To make direct contribution to enhance the research and training opportunities in orde to develop human resources for the tourism industry through industry interactive and application oriented learning application.
• To provide a great opportunity for the students to conduct and present their research findings at an international academics and experts forum.

Expected Academic Contribution from Overseas Universities/Higher Educational Institutions

Consequently, the comparative and comprehensive analysis on the application of current tourism strategies in Sri Lanka, more specifically "Tourism Strategic Plan (2017-2020) – A Story of Untapped Potential" will be carried out with the contribution of industry practitioners, public policy-makers, community organizations, international experts and eminent academics/researchers, under the guidelines of achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.