After a brief hiatus of 5 years after their last ceremony in 2018, Sri Lanka Tourism is bracing themselves with much enthusiasm to host the 7th edition of the National Tourism Awards in Mid –December 2024, which will benefit not only the Internationally renowned partners in the Travel and Hospitality trade but also the small scale entrepreneurs who survive by selling their products to customers. The event’s main objective is to promote and enhance service standards, encourage best practices, and foster a culture of excellence and innovation within the Industry. By acknowledging the achievements of Individuals and organizations, Sri Lanka Tourism hopes to showcase the creativity, New innovations and promotional material from each and every member who belong to the Travel and Hospitality trade. This is another way of inspiring others hopes to join the Industry to contribute to the sustainable Development of Tourism in Sri Lanka. 

This exclusive event will not only highlight itself as an opportunity for both experienced and new entrepreneurs to showcase their promotional skills and products to the global community but also become a global spotlight on Sri Lanka, as a collaborative result of those who have highlighted Sri Lanka’s beauty, culture and spirit on a Global stage. The partnership which Sri Lanka Tourism holds with International Organizations such as UN Tourism and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) brings more recognition to Sri Lanka as one of Asia’s most renowned Travel destinations.   

The very first National Travel & Tourism award was held in 2008, since then, this annual event has been gathering momentum with more participation and recognition of new products and services. The last event was held in 2018 making a significant celebration of excellence and innovation within the industry. After the Easter Sunday Attacks and the COVID -109 pandemic brought the consecutive award ceremony to a standstill, and it is with much pleasure that Sri Lanka Tourism wishes to inform that it is able to restart this prestigious event in 2024 with more participants.  This year, the Event’s main theme will be based around Inclusive Tourism, which will encourage small scale entrepreneurs from the street vendor to luxurious hotels awaiting to welcome the travelers who visit Sri Lanka. Some of the award categories include a wide range with new additions, such as Youth contribution to tourism , in order to encourage   present youth to contribute to Tourism , International Award Winners, Sustainable practices in Tourism Services , Recognition awards  including Recognition awards , Including Airlines – Contribution to tourism , Charter Airline operator of the year , Scheduled Airline (recognition awards) Cruise line operator , / provider / facilitator ( based on data of the research division of SLTDA collected from the Civil Aviation Authority ) cruise line operator / provider / facilitator (based on data of the research division of SLTDA collected from the Ports Authority) rest of the categories including Tourist Accommodation & Hotels , Nature Eco and Wildlife , Specified Tourist Services , MICE Tourism , Marketing & Communications , and Excellence in service. All these are proof to display how much they have contributed to rejuvenate the Tourism sector and bring revenue to the country, as well as taking Sri Lanka’s name across the globe, for its unique hospitality, warm smile and world renowned tourist attractions found nowhere else. 

Mentioning about this year’s theme, Inclusive Tourism is much needed for the progress of the Tourism sector, which is the second highest foreign exchange earner in the country, and is a key pillar of economic growth, enriching communities and creating countless opportunities. It is from this field that everyone – from the street vendor to the CEO of a Multinational company can thrive and boost up the destinations’ economic power. The Awards categories cover all sectors – from Grass roots organizations working to empower local communities to large scale operators creating world class experiences for travelers. By acknowledging Inclusivity and Diversity, Sri Lanka Tourism is all geared up to celebrate the Industry’s achievements and encourage Tourism as a driver of positive change. The Sri Lanka Tourism Awards 2024 not only celebrates the accomplishments of Industry leaders but also highlights invaluable contributions of emerging enterprises, small scale community initiatives, and Individuals who are transforming the travel experience.  We have some endorsements from some of the previous winners of this prestigious event. For this year’s event, 150 Industry participants have applied through their respective categories which creates much more enthusiasm and energetic vibes throughout the event, and adds more excitement.