Browns Hotels & Resorts celebrates World Tourism Day with an insightful forum

Key industry experts convened to inspire action for sustainable tourism in Sri Lanka

The World Tourism Day, celebrated globally on September 27, serves as a reminder of the pivotal role tourism plays in fostering economic growth, cultural exchange and environmental preservation. In commemoration of the World Tourism Day, Browns Hotels & Resorts, a leading name in Sri Lankan hospitality, hosted a thought-provoking forum at its renowned coastal retreat Thaala Bentota. 

The event brought together distinguished industry experts to deliberate on ‘Tourism and Green Investments’, the global theme for 2023 and explore how Sri Lanka can nurture young talent in hospitality and embrace sustainable tourism.
Browns Hotels & Resorts, known for its commitment to sustainability, took this opportunity to engage in a meaningful dialogue to inspire action for the future of tourism in Sri Lanka. The panel discussion was moderated by Travel Talk Asia Magazine Editor in Chief and Sri Lanka Tourism Alliance Director Operations Dinushka Chandrasena.

“Tourism can only be considered truly sustainable if it generates income and decent employment, stimulates trade and linkages and respects and protects our natural and cultural environment. Here in Sri Lanka, tourism is arguably the strongest sector in our economy today, with arrivals of tourists and earnings escalating consistently. At the same time, the sector provides tens of thousands of jobs and fuels numerous other sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, transportation and entertainment. Nurturing talent in hospitality is a long-term task that requires continuous efforts,” Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM) Chairman Shirantha Peiris emphasised at the forum. 

Scholarship awarding to SLITHM

Clootrack Software Labs for Sri Lanka, Maldives and Pakistan Country Head and former Sri Lanka Tourism and Sri Lanka Export Development Board Chairman Dr. Rohantha Athukorala, as one of the key panellists in the forum, said, “Given that food security is a key challenge in Sri Lanka, the tourism policymakers must do carrying capacity studies before agreeing on tourism arrival targets for the next five years or have a concurrent robust SME development agenda.”

The forum also included a scholarship awarding session by Browns Hotels & Resorts for the SLITHM, reaffirming its commitment to nurturing talent within the industry. Following this, Browns Hotels & Resorts unveiled its comprehensive sustainability plan, outlining its strategies and goals for its portfolio of properties, including waste management, energy conservation, coral reef regeneration, turtle hatchery expansion and mangrove plant preservation projects.
“At Browns Hotels & Resorts, we believe that sustainability goes beyond environmental responsibility. It’s about making a positive impact on the communities we operate in. We are committed to providing our guests with not only luxurious experiences but also contributing to the wellbeing and enrichment of the local communities while preserving nature,” added Browns Hotels & Resorts CEO Eksath Wijeratne.

Browns Hotels & Resorts, the leisure arm of Browns Investments (part of LOLC Group), offers a portfolio of unique and exquisite properties: Thaala Bentota, Club Hotel Dolphin Negombo, The Calm Resort and Spa Pasikuda, Hotel Sigiriya, Dickwella Resort and Spa, the luxury boutique villas under Reveal the Collection and associate hotels, Sheraton Kosgoda, Occidental Paradise Dambulla and Occidental Eden Beruwala, each dedicated to exceptional guest experiences and sustainable tourism.

Audience