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Sri Lanka to build a new tourism workforce to project a stronger ...
Specialised training programme set to begin The Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management (SLITHM) has launched a new initiative that could quietly reshape the country’s tourism industry – the National Tourist Interpreter Training Programme. The idea, explained by SLITHM Chairman Dheera Hettiarachchi, is simple but important. Sri Lanka does not need to rely only on bigger tourist numbers or louder promotion. It needs to help visitors understand the country better. “This is where the concept of a tourist interpreter comes in”, he said. “Unlike traditional tour guides, who mainly explain and show places, interpreters are trained to go deeper. They connect the story behind what visitors see; linking history, culture, environment and local life. In a country like Sri Lanka, where ancient heritage, rich biodiversity and living communities are closely connected, this approach can make a real difference,” Hettiarachchi explained. The programme itself will run for three months and focus more on field visits and practical learning rather than classroom teaching. It is open to academics and professionals with knowledge in areas such as history, culture, environment and research. Those who complete the course will receive a National Tourist Interpreter Licence from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, along with a digital badge. With a course fee of around Rs. 250,000, this is not meant for mass entry. The target is a smaller, more specialised group. These interpreters are expected to work with destination management companies, serving high-end travellers who are looking for meaningful and informed experiences, not just sightseeing. Speaking further, the SLITHM chairman said: “Globally, this trend is already visible; visitors increasingly expect detailed explanations about nature, conservation and local communities in the destinations they visit. They want to know not just what they are seeing, but why it matters. Sri Lanka has the natural and cultural depth to offer this kind of experience. What has been missing is the structured way of delivering that knowledge. That is where this initiative fits in.” According to SLITHM, there is also a wider benefit. Visitors who understand a place tend to respect it more. This can reduce damage to sensitive sites and support conservation efforts, creating a better balance between tourism and the environment. In this context, a new group of trained interpreters could gradually change how Sri Lanka is presented to ...
Sri Lanka Tourism Club unveils global campaign to woo luxury tourists ...
To attract high end travellers and boost tourism receipts, the Sri Lanka Tourism Club (SLTC) has launched a major international promotional campaign and partnered with global media outlets.The mentor behind the project, Dr. Prabath Ukkwatte, Co-founder of the SLTC, said the organisation has been in existence for over a decade, promoting inbound travel to Sri Lanka.“We have observed that although arrival numbers are increasing, earnings are not rising correspondingly,” he said.“To bridge this gap, President Jude Ukkwatte, Vice President Dev Steelmen, and I have initiated and executed a series of international promotions.”The first initiative is the launch of the country’s first tourism focused Sri Lanka Tourism Channel, www.srilankatourismsociety.com“Through this platform, we hope to promote the theme ‘Sri Lanka The Charming Paradise’ as a premier destination, highlight festivals and tourism activities, showcase special hotel promotions, and carry tourism related news.”Dr. Ukkwatte added that agreements had already been signed with several international media outlets to connect with this tourism channel.“These include the BBC, where renowned presenter David Tarsh will help promote Sri Lanka.”In addition, Pamela Anderson will front promotions in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific, while Angela Chen will promote Sri Lanka in China, opening it up to an audience of millions.“One key segment we hope to actively promote is local boutique hotels and high-end properties, which would attract high spending visitors.”President Jude Ukkwatte said that, in addition to tourism promotions, the SLTC, which is backed by several global investors, will also explore investment opportunities in Sri Lanka.“Linking with local banks, we hope to arrange funding at very low interest rates for hoteliers and entrepreneurs for refurbishment, and even for building new hotels,” he said.SLTC also hopes to collaborate with local tour operators, transport providers, and retail outlets so they too can benefit from this initiative.“As a CSR initiative, we will also assist in the training of tour guides to meet the demands of luxury travellers.”Vice President Dev Steelmen said the club also plans to host several international events in Sri Lanka to enhance destination visibility.“These include Colombo Countdown, an international laser and fireworks show on December 31 at Galle Face Green, and Colombo Weekend Show, a laser animated musical show on Saturdays that boosts Colombo as a vibrant...
LilyLanka launches first integrated travel ecosystem platform
Strengthening local participation within the tourism ecosystem contributes not only to individual businesses but also to the wider national economy. In a pioneering step within Sri Lanka's travel technology landscape, LilyLanka introduces direct access to travel insurance through the platform.
Sri Lanka's tourism investments hit six-year high in 2025 amid ...
Sri Lanka's tourism sector recorded a massive resurgence in investor confidence in 2025, with realised investments reaching their highest level since 2019.
