Top global tourism players to address Sri Lanka Economic Summit 2016

Senior executives from globally acclaimed tourism players are expected to speak at the upcoming Sri Lanka Economic Summit 2016 to discuss the country’s highly potential tourism sector. According to a media release from the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) this week, executives from Shangri-La International, Australian Tourism, AirBnB, DERTOUR and John Keells Holdings (JKH) will take the podium during the Summit.

Director of Tourism Australia Andrew Fairley, Executive Vice President of ShangriLa Hotels Michael Cottan, Director of Public Policy Affairs of Asia of AirBnb Mike Orgill and Vice President of Intercontinental Travel DER Touristik Germany Jorn Krausser will deliver the keynote speeches at Session 3 of the summit which will be held under the title “Tourism – Delivering the Potential.” The keynote presentations will be followed by a panel discussion which includes President of Leisure Sector of JKH Krishan Balendra while Managing Director of Jetwing Travels Shiromal Cooray will moderate the discussion.

Among the keynote speakers at Session 3 of the summit is Michael Cottan of ShangriLa, a 30-year industry veteran who manages the chain’s Europe, Middle East, North American and South Asian Portfolios. He has more than 30 years of hospitality experience behind him. Mike Orgill manages the AirBnB's public policy and government affairs activities across the Asia Pacific region and in this role he partners with governments and policy makers to develop new policy and regulatory frameworks for home sharing and the sharing economy.

Andrew Fairley has a long association with tourism, having been a director of world renowned 5-star resort Turtle Island, Fiji from 1985 to 2007. Jörn Krausser is currently responsible for the long-haul business operations of the German modular tour operator DERTOUR, DERTOUR Deluxe and ADAC Reisen.

According to the CCC, Session 3 of the summit will focus on why Sri Lanka tourism is yet to deliver on the much talked about promise despite an abundance of natural treasures, historic sights, unique experiences and a safe security climate. (NG)