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Saturday, 27 September 2025

University of Colombo Leads Sri Lanka’s Landmark World Tourism Day 2025 Celebration

A Nationwide Call for Sustainable Tourism and Youth Empowerment

Sri Lanka is preparing for a groundbreaking celebration of United Nations World Tourism Day 2025, with the University of Colombo at the heart of a nationwide initiative. Under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” this program unites government, academia, industry, and youth to highlight the future of sustainable tourism in Sri Lanka.

The Ministry of Tourism, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), the Sustainable Tourism Unit, and the Alumni Association of Tourism Economics and Hospitality Management (Alumni ATEHM) have joined forces to launch a series of events from August through September. The festivities will culminate in a grand celebration from September 27 to October 1, 2025, at Colombo’s premier venues—One Galle Face and the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH).

Engaging Schools Through Junior Tourism Clubs

A highlight of this year’s program is the island-wide inter-school tourism competition. Designed to inspire the next generation, the initiative will launch Junior Tourism Clubs in schools across Sri Lanka. These clubs will offer students, particularly those above Grade 9, early exposure to the hospitality and tourism sector through training, mentorship, and practical activities.

The national finals, set for September 25 and 26 at One Galle Face, will showcase student talents in culinary arts, housekeeping, food and beverage service, and destination promotion, highlighting Sri Lanka’s cultural richness and hospitality skills.

Tourism Travel Mart and Career Opportunities

Running alongside the school competitions, the Tourism Travel Mart will create a dynamic platform for networking and collaboration between industry stakeholders. Hotels, travel agencies, eco-tourism operators, and cultural curators will present innovative projects and explore new partnerships.

On September 26, the Tourism Job Fair and Career Guidance Expo will further strengthen the link between education and employment. Career booths, workshops, and mentoring sessions will connect students and young professionals with opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sector, equipping them with skills and insights for a future in the industry.

Global Knowledge Exchange at BMICH

The celebrations will culminate on October 1 with the International Tourism Research Conference (ITRC) and the International Tourism Leaders’ Summit (ITLS) at BMICH. These flagship events will feature professors, academics, and tourism experts from more than 20 countries.

The conferences will provide a platform for knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, and collaborative strategies to strengthen tourism resilience. Discussions will focus on sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity, positioning Sri Lanka as a regional hub for sustainable tourism development.

Collaboration Across the Tourism Sector

The initiative is being made possible through the collective effort of key stakeholders. The Ministry of Tourism is guiding policy and coordination, while SLTDA and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) lead national promotions. The University of Colombo and Alumni ATEHM act as the intellectual and organizational drivers.

Key industry associations including SLAITO, THASL, CHSGA, ASMET, SLITHM, and provincial tourism boards are also contributing expertise and resources to ensure the success of the program. Universities across the country are adding academic value, strengthening the reach and impact of the movement.

Sri Lanka’s Commitment to Sustainable Transformation

With just 125 days remaining until World Tourism Day 2025, organizers are calling on government bodies, industry leaders, educators, and the public to join hands in making this celebration a true national milestone.

By embracing collaboration and innovation, Sri Lanka aims to showcase itself as a leader in sustainable tourism transformation, empowering youth and strengthening the country’s global tourism profile.

For more information on planning your visit to Sri Lanka, explore:
Sri Lanka Tourism – https://www.srilanka.travel

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