COLOMBO : A powerful and unified call for greater regional collaboration to position South Asia as a premier global travel destination was the central theme at the “Connect & Conversations” forum today. Held at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo today as a component of the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2025, the event brought together top tourism officials and industry leaders who advocated for a shift from competition to partnership.
Setting the tone for the day, Suraj Khan, Vice President – India SATA, emphasized the forum’s objective. “Collectively in South Asia, on this platform, we can exchange a lot of ideas,” he said. “This is all about how we can collaborate and make our industry and hospitality… on a global level. The goal is to make South Asia actually the finest travel region in the world.”
This vision of a unified tourism front was strongly supported by leaders from across the region. Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Authority (SLTDA), highlighted the immediate potential for synergistic partnerships, using the relationship between Sri Lanka and the Maldives as a prime example.
Echoing this sentiment, Abdulla Ghiyas, Chairman of Visit Maldives Corporation, made a compelling case for a strategic alliance. “We must stop seeing each other as competitors and instead act as partners, sharing best practices and even case studies that can benefit us all,” Ghiyas urged. He called for tangible joint initiatives like regional visas and shared marketing platforms to capitalize on the global economic shift towards Asia, ensuring the region’s collective growth.
The event’s first panel discussion, “Future of Hospitality: Experiences, Technology & Revenue Management,” was moderated by Ishan Koul (Director, Naaz Hotel Consultancy) and featured a distinguished panel of experts:
Ugyen Tenzin (President, Hotels & Restaurants Association of Bhutan – HRAB)
Dinesh Hettiarachchi (Group General Manager, Mandarina Colombo & Marine Bay Colombo)
Hawwa Fareesha (Hotel Manager, Hulhule Island Hotel)
Tek Mahat Bahadhur (Board Member, Hotel Association of Nepal)
Nazoomi Azhar (General Manager, Cinnamon Grand Colombo)
The discussion explored several critical themes. Panelists agreed that while technology is essential for efficiency, the core of hospitality remains the creation of genuine, personalized guest experiences that technology can enhance but never replace, emphasizing a balance between tech and personal touch. There was a strong emphasis on using data analytics not just for dynamic pricing, but also for deeply understanding guest needs and customizing packages and services to maximize both guest satisfaction and revenue, focusing on data-driven customization. The conversation moved beyond traditional sustainability, with panelists highlighting a shift towards “regenerative tourism,” which focuses on ensuring that tourism actively improves local ecosystems and enriches host communities. The panel also openly discussed the ongoing issue of attracting and retaining skilled labor, exploring strategies like better career paths and industry-academia partnerships to build a resilient workforce, addressing workforce challenges. The discussions throughout the day underscored a growing consensus: the future success of tourism in the region hinges on a collective strategy, shared innovation, and a united voice on the global stage.
About Connect & Conversations: “Connect & Conversations” is a high-level forum and a key component of the annual South Asian Travel Awards (SATA). It provides a platform for tourism leaders, hoteliers, and stakeholders from across the SAARC region to discuss, debate, and collaborate on the future of travel and tourism.
About South Asian Travel Awards (SATA): The South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) has been recognizing the best of South Asia’s hospitality and travel industry since 2016. The prestigious annual event honors stellar organizations and individuals in a wide array of categories.
