Sri Lanka Tourism Excellence Awards launched to recognise industry leaders

As Sri Lanka’s tourism industry enters a new era of growth, innovation and global competitiveness, the Sri Lanka Tourism Excellence Awards 2026 were launched yesterday to recognise and honour exemplary performers among hotels, restaurants and tourism marketers.

Speaking at the launch, Sri Lanka Tourist Hotels President Asoka Hettigoda said the formal sector had contributed several billion dollars over the years towards the development of the tourism industry, while employing around 70% of those engaged in the sector.

The Awards Gala, scheduled to be held in January 2027, is expected to be one of the most prestigious tourism events of the year, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, business executives, sponsors, media representatives and distinguished guests to celebrate the achievements of Sri Lanka’s leading tourism enterprises.

He added that several local hotels had won international awards, demonstrating that Sri Lankan hotels are capable of competing at world-class standards.

“These establishments have demonstrated exceptional achievements in service excellence, customer experience, product quality, innovation, sustainability, operational excellence and leadership,” he said.

“It is in this spirit that the Sri Lanka Tourism Excellence Awards 2026 have been launched as a prestigious national initiative to celebrate outstanding achievements across the tourism and hospitality sector and to inspire organisations to pursue ever higher standards of excellence.”

By recognising excellence and sharing best practices, the initiative seeks to inspire the entire industry to strive for higher levels of professionalism, resilience and competitiveness. “We are also trying to get some foreign judges for the event.”

"The evaluation framework for the awards has been carefully developed based on internationally accepted best practices and industry standards," said Eksath Wijerathne, Chairman of the Steering Committee.

Participating organisations will be assessed under key dimensions including Service Excellence, Customer Experience, Product Quality, Innovation, Distinctiveness and Global Reach, Sustainability and Responsible Practices, Consistency, Operational Excellence and Performance, and Leadership and Industry Impact.

“This governance structure has been designed to uphold transparency, impartiality and integrity at every stage of the competition,” said Sri Lanka Tourism Excellence Awards Consultant Prashantha Abeykoon.

“The Sri Lanka Tourism Excellence Awards 2026 will also provide participants with a valuable opportunity to benchmark themselves against national standards, showcase their achievements, strengthen their brand reputation and gain recognition among industry peers, customers, policymakers and the wider public,” he added.

Picture: Chairman SLTPB Buddhika Hewawasam, Asoka Hettigoda and Eksath Wijerathne unveiling the trophy.