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, as part of the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2025, the event brought together top tourism officials and industry leaders who emphasized the need to shift from competition to partnership.
Emphasizing a Unified Vision
Setting the tone for the forum, Suraj Khan, Vice President – India SATA, highlighted the objectives of the day. “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 resonated strongly with leaders across the region. Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Authority (SLTDA), underscored the immediate potential for synergistic partnerships, citing the relationship between Sri Lanka and the Maldives as a prime example of successful regional collaboration.
Echoing this sentiment, Abdulla Ghiyas, Chairman of Visit Maldives Corporation, stressed the importance of moving beyond competition. “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 said. He called for tangible joint initiatives such as regional visas and shared marketing platforms to capitalize on the global economic shift towards Asia, ensuring collective growth for South Asia’s tourism sector.
Exploring the Future of Hospitality
The forum’s first panel discussion, “Future of Hospitality: Experiences, Technology & Revenue Management,” was moderated by Ishan Koul, Director of Naaz Hotel Consultancy, and featured a distinguished panel:
- 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
Panelists explored critical themes in modern hospitality, agreeing that while technology is essential for operational efficiency, the core of hospitality remains creating genuine, personalized guest experiences. Technology should enhance but never replace the human touch, ensuring a balance between innovation and personal engagement.
There was a strong emphasis on data-driven customization, using analytics not only for dynamic pricing but also to understand guest preferences deeply, tailoring packages and services to maximize satisfaction and revenue. Discussions also focused on the concept of regenerative tourism, which goes beyond sustainability to actively improve local ecosystems and enrich host communities.
Workforce challenges were another key topic. Panelists examined strategies to attract and retain skilled labor, highlighting initiatives such as career development paths and industry-academia partnerships to ensure a resilient tourism workforce for the future.
Building a Collective Strategy
Throughout the forum, a growing consensus emerged: the future success of tourism in South Asia hinges on a collective strategy, shared innovation, and a united voice on the global stage. Leaders agreed that collaboration, rather than competition, will be crucial in positioning the region as a top global travel destination.
About Connect & Conversations
“Connect & Conversations” is a high-level forum and an integral part of the annual South Asian Travel Awards (SATA). The platform provides tourism leaders, hoteliers, and stakeholders across the SAARC region with opportunities to discuss, debate, and collaborate on the future of travel and hospitality, encouraging cross-border partnerships and knowledge exchange.
About South Asian Travel Awards (SATA)
Established in 2016, the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) has recognized excellence in South Asia’s hospitality and travel industry for nearly a decade. The prestigious annual event honors outstanding organizations and individuals across a wide array of categories, celebrating innovation, quality, and leadership in the region’s travel sector.
The Connect & Conversations forum at SATA 2025 highlighted the urgent need for South Asian countries to collaborate strategically to enhance the region’s appeal as a global tourism hub. From leveraging technology and data to implementing regenerative tourism practices and building skilled workforces, industry leaders emphasized partnership over competition. As the region moves forward, shared initiatives like regional visas, joint marketing campaigns, and collaborative training programs could redefine South Asia’s tourism landscape, creating a unified, world-class travel destination for global travelers.
