(UTV | COLOMBO) – The global pandemic of COVID-19 has pushed socio-economic structures into a standstill and has challenged globalization and global operations of enterprises. Businesses are yet to look at alternative methods of regaining business functions, especially in the sectors which have been adversely impacted. The tourism industry has been one such sector, especially due to the severe threat it imposed on international travellers and resulted to a pandemic mainly through travel. Tourism is one of Sri Lanka’s fastest growing industries and is a key contributor to our economy in terms of generating foreign currency. The industry has long suffered, and was recovering from the adverse impacts of the Easter attacks in April 2019. Today, COVID-19 has made the industry more vulnerable and seeks immediate recovery measures to sustain in the longer run.
Citibank in partnership with The Ceylon Chamber Academy and Facebook has organised this timely webinar as a way of support to the industry as well as the Chamber membership. This discussion will touch on the current challenges faced by the Tourism industry and ways of overcoming them, specially for main stakeholders, including inbound/outbound tour operators and hotels.
The eminent panel will include Mr. Sanath Ukwatte, President of The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL), Mr. Mahen Kariyawasam, President of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) and Dr. Jordi Fornies, Director, Emerging Markets, APAC – Facebook. The session will be moderated by Ms. Shiromal Cooray, Chairperson – Jetwing Hotels.
The webinar will be held on Saturday 30th May 2020 at 10:00am. To register, please email niroshini@chamber.lk, amanda@chamber.lk, or events@chamber.lk.