Saegis Tourism Day Celebration 2025
12/10/2025
The final event of the series, Saegis Tourism Day 2025, was held on 3rd October 2025. The event unfolded in two phases. Distinguished industry professionals and academics graced the occasion.
Phase 1 – Panel Discussion
The panel discussion, moderated by Ms. G. A. K. Hasanga, Lecturer and Staff Advisor of the Saegis Tourism Club, featured prominent panelists:
· Prof. Rangana Shalika, Professor in Tourism Management – Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka
· Mr. Ivo Richli, General Manager – The Charleston Hotel, Galle Fort
· Mr. Ashan Karunananda, General Manager – Sustainability and Business Development, Thema Collection
· Mr. Ruwan Rathnayake, CEO – Beyond Escapes and Leopard Nest
The discussion explored key areas including:
· Designing inclusive and sustainable tourism experiences
· Community engagement in tourism development
· Future opportunities for Sri Lanka in sustainable tourism
· Collaboration between academia and industry
· Sustainability challenges and long-term investment in eco-friendly business practices
The panellists emphasised that inclusivity, heritage preservation, and sustainability are the cornerstones of Sri Lanka’s future tourism growth. They also agreed that “Sustainability should be viewed as an investment, not a cost,” urging all stakeholders to integrate sustainable practices into their operations.
Phase 2 – Cultural Performances and Awards Ceremony
The second phase of the celebration featured vibrant student performances, highlighting creativity and cultural diversity. Winners from the competitions were recognized and awarded for their achievements.
Launch of SPOT Magazine
One of the most significant highlights of the celebration was the launch of “SPOT Magazine,” the first-ever tourism publication by Saegis Campus. The magazine features a collection of thought-provoking articles from students, academics, and industry experts, highlighting various aspects of the tourism and hospitality industries. The publication was entirely conceptualized, written, designed, and proofread by students, a testament to their creativity, teamwork, and professional competence.
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