Over 200 senior hospitality leaders are expected to gather in Colombo in September to chart a long-term roadmap for the industry, moving beyond post-crisis recovery towards sustainable growth and global competitiveness.
Sri Lanka's hospitality industry will convene more than 200 senior leaders at the International Hospitality Leaders Conference scheduled for September 29 at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo. Organised by the Sri Lanka Chapter of the Institute of Hospitality and backed by the UK-based Institute of Hospitality, the event aims to transition the sector from recovery mode to strategic long-term planning.
The conference will bring together hotel owners, developers, general managers, tourism policymakers, investors, academics and business leaders to formulate what organisers describe as the country's first collective hospitality industry roadmap. Unlike typical industry gatherings, the IHLC 2026 has been designed as a strategic platform intended to produce measurable commitments and will culminate in the publication of a Vision 2030 Whitepaper outlining key recommendations for the sector's development.
Conference Chairman Refhan Razeen, General Manager of Shangri-La Hambantota, stated that the focus must shift from resilience to sustained performance. "As we move beyond recovery, the conversation must shift from resilience to long-term performance. Vision 2030 is about ensuring that our industry remains globally competitive, commercially resilient and prepared for the future," he said. The deliberations will address six strategic themes including future-ready leadership, commercial strategy, digital transformation, sustainability, talent development and destination competitiveness.
Organisers emphasise that Sri Lanka's tourism industry faces critical challenges including digital disruption, changing traveller expectations and stringent global sustainability requirements. Attendance is available through paid registration at Rs. 25,000 per delegate, while corporate partners can participate through sponsorship packages that provide brand visibility and recognition in the Vision 2030 Whitepaper.
