HVS, the world’s leading consulting and services organisation, will host the inaugural Tourism, Hotel Investment & Networking Conference (THINC) Sri Lanka 2016, which aims to be the region’s premier event for the hospitality and tourism industry.
The conference is scheduled to be held on 10 and 11 February, 2016, at the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo and will be co-hosted by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).
Sri Lanka, the ‘Emerald Isle’, is increasingly gaining significance in the global hospitality market as a key emerging destination in South Asia. Tourism in the nation presents tremendous opportunity for regional and global investors, owners, operators, lenders, developers, and other industry players. The conference will emphasise on the country’s strong tourism potential by showcasing its growth and investment opportunities, while also addressing some of the critical challenges in the region. The event aims at attracting global attention to Sri Lanka and creating unparalleled value for all industry stakeholders with business interests in the country.
“Sri Lanka has grown by leaps and bounds since the end of its internal conflict in 2009. The country is moving full steam ahead to reach its goals with its building blocks of infrastructure, a rapidly expanding economy, a stable government, security, and continued efforts by the tourism authorities to position the Emerald Isle as a ‘Wonder of Asia’.
Moreover, double-digit year-on-year growth in tourist arrivals and receipts attests the growth story of the tourism sector. From a destination perspective, not only does the country offer a variety of experiences, but also has the capability to do so year-round, with distinct seasonality patterns on its west and east coasts. Collectively, the country presents a unique set of very favorable conditions that investors, lenders and brands can capitalise on, over the next few years.” says Manav Thadani, Chairman – Asia Pacific, HVS.
THINC Sri Lanka 2016 will see a stellar line-up of speakers including industry stalwarts, business heads and thought leaders such as Abbas Esufally, Group Director, Hemas Holdings; Chandana Talwatte, Executive Director and CEO, Citrus Hotels; Dilip Puri, Managing Director – India and Regional VP – SA, Starwood Hotels and Resorts; Dillip Rajakarier, Chief Executive Officer, Minor Hotel Group; Hiran Cooray, Chairman, Jetwing Hotels; Dinesh De Zoysa, Director, Uga Escapes; Kevin Wallace, Managing Director – SE Asia and Australasia, Plateno Hotels Group; Laure Morvan, Director Development – Asia Pacific, AccorHotels; Marc Dardenne, Chief Executive Officer, Patina Hotels and Resorts; Mark A Edleson, President, Commune Hotels and Resorts; Peter Henley, Chairman and CEO, Onyx Hospitality Group; Raj Rana, Chief Executive Officer – South Asia, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group; Stefan Abeyesinhe, Director and CEO, Asia Capital; Tilak Selviah, Director and COO Leisure Sector, Browns Investments PLC, and Vijitha Wijesuriya, Managing Director, East – West Properties PLC, among others.
The conference will focus on a broad range of topics presented through a number of seminars and panel discussions. The event will commence with the Global Leaders panel, wherein global industry leaders will discuss and deliberate on how the international hotel community views Sri Lanka as an investment destination. The conference program will also encompass focused discussion panels, such as, The View from the Top: Creating Meaningful Partnerships, discussing the key success factors that have contributed to meaningful partnerships between Sri Lankan owners and developers, and the international hospitality players; Investing in the Region: Challenges and Opportunities, which will bring to fore the potential opportunities for investment, the nature of challenges faced as well as the incentives available for hospitality development in the region; Is the ‘Emerald Isle’ ready for the Uber Luxe?, which will see panelists share their thoughts on the maturity of the market to see influx of high-end luxury brands and scope for luxury travel; and a special feature panel on the Maldives – In Focus Maldives: Unique Learnings from a Unique Destination, to name a few.
Expertly tailored by HVS, which plays host to three of the most established hospitality events in the region – Hotel Investment Conference-South Asia (HICSA), Hotel Operations Summit India (HOSI), and the Tourism, Hotel Investment & Networking Conference (THINC) Indonesia ─ THINC Sri Lanka promises to live up to the reputation by creating an exceptional forum for knowledge-sharing and collaboration. The conference will also allow for ample networking opportunities and coordinated meetings with influential decision makers.
eHotelier is proud to partner with THINC Sri Lanka. For more information and to register for the conference, please visit the THINC Sri Lanka event listing.
