On 7 January 2026, Poshitha Perera, Ambassador of Sri Lanka, addressed The Insiders Forum of HOTLIST 2025 – Travellive Editor’s Pick, under the theme “Sri Lanka Tourism: The Story of Resilience, Innovation and Growth.”
The Insiders Forum, the flagship knowledge-sharing platform of HOTLIST 2025, brought together policymakers, business leaders, and researchers from the tourism and hospitality sectors across Viet Nam and the wider region, fostering dialogue on emerging trends, innovation, and regional cooperation.
In his address, the Ambassador highlighted Sri Lanka’s deliberate and responsible approach to tourism development, which prioritises environmental preservation while moving beyond conventional mass tourism. He noted that Sri Lanka has adopted a diversified, experience-based tourism model that values quality over quantity, with niche segments such as eco-tourism, wildlife and conservation tourism, wellness and Ayurveda tourism, tea and plantation tourism, adventure and marine tourism, cultural and pilgrimage circuits, and community-based village experiences. These initiatives are designed to distribute tourism benefits more equitably, empower local communities, protect ecosystems, and offer visitors authentic and meaningful experiences.
The Ambassador further emphasised that innovation underpins Sri Lanka’s tourism growth strategy, with a strong focus on digital transformation, smart destination management, data-driven marketing, and robust public–private partnerships. Sustainability and climate resilience are being integrated into tourism planning through responsible tourism standards, green accommodation initiatives, renewable energy use, and conservation-led development, alongside investments in human capital, youth entrepreneurship, skills development, and service excellence.
Concluding his remarks, the Ambassador extended a warm invitation to visit Sri Lanka, explore its diverse tourism offerings, and consider the wide range of investment opportunities available in the tourism sector, as partners in Sri Lanka’s continued progress.
