South Asian Tourism Leadership Forum designing experiences

• SLDF 2024 to present Sri Lanka›s new frontier in luxury tourism 

As the global appetite for luxury travel continues to grow, tourists are increasingly valuing curated experiences over mere indulgence. The South Asian Tourism Leadership Forum, themed Designing Experiences: Enhancing Sri Lanka’s Luxury Travel Offer, delves into how Sri Lanka can differentiate itself in this competitive space by crafting high-end experiences that marry luxury with cultural authenticity. Moving beyond the traditional trappings of luxury, the forum will highlight how bespoke hospitality and immersive journeys through the island’s rich heritage and landscapes can position Sri Lanka as the ideal gateway to South Asia’s luxury travel market.

Luxury now speaks to authenticity and engagement and Sri Lanka’s untapped potential lies in its ability to offer travellers more than just incredible resorts. By providing slow travel experiences that emphasize cultural immersion and sustainable tourism, Sri Lanka can redefine its appeal to the conscious and experience-hungry traveller. The forum will feature industry visionaries sharing strategic insights into designing travel experiences that not only capture the imagination but also create meaningful connections to the island›s history, people, and environment

Commenting on the inclusion of the thought leadership forum at the Sri Lanka Design Festival,  the Academy of Design and SLDF Founder Linda Speldewinde said: “Design influences many sectors. Year after year, our thought leadership forums have introduced fresh perspectives and sparked new conversations across industries.” She highlighted the forum›s focus on the tourism sector, particularly in catering to niche markets, where design thinking plays a crucial role in refining offerings. 

The forum will be co-chaired by industry veterans Steven Enderby, an avid lankaphile, and Hirdaramani Group’s Leisure Sector Director Rakhil Hirdaramani. Their industry experience and insights will undoubtedly enrich and elevate the discussions, bringing valuable perspectives to the table.

Redefining authenticity and luxury in a post-pandemic landscape

The South Asian Tourism Leadership Forum kicks off with Luxury & Hospitality Futures, presented by The Future Laboratory co-founders Martin Raymond and Chris Sanderson. Drawing on their trend forecasting expertise, Raymond and Sanderson will explore how global shifts in consumer behaviour are transforming the luxury and hospitality sectors. They will unveil the evolving expectations of travellers, emphasizing personalization, exclusivity, and cultural immersion. Their foresight, grounded in data, offers actionable insights for brands looking to navigate and flourish within this fast-changing, experience-driven era.

Designing seamless travel experiences 

China Market Research Group Managing Director Ben Cavender  will share strategies for Unlocking Authentic Experiences by leveraging digital solutions to guide less experienced travellers beyond major tourist hubs, offering a roadmap to uncover Sri Lanka’s hidden treasures. Cavender’s approach emphasises how technology can simplify travel planning, making Sri Lanka’s unique offerings accessible to a broader range of global tourists, particularly from China, who are increasingly seeking more authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Reimagining Visitor Experiences by Aimee Kyffin, Experience Designer at Chemistry, will focus on reimagining visitor journeys for today’s digitally connected traveller. Drawing on her work redesigning the Singapore Visitor Centre, Kyffin will highlight how to create seamless, omnichannel experiences that cater to the needs of modern tourists who expect convenience and personalisation at every touchpoint.

Resplendent Ceylon Managing Director Malik Fernando, will share his insights on Curating the Sri Lankan Experience exploring how Sri Lanka›s natural beauty, vibrant culture, and exceptional hospitality can be refined into a cohesive, effortless experience that appeals to luxury travellers. Fernando›s talk will underscore the importance of thoughtful curation in shaping memorable journeys that align with the discerning expectations of the global elite.

Leveraging tradition and heritage to create unforgettable connections

Vandana Mohan, India’s leading wedding planner and founder of The Wedding Design Company, will discuss the potential for Sri Lanka as a destination for exploring how Sri Lanka’s mix of luxury and culture makes it a prime wedding destination for affluent Indian bridal parties. With her extensive expertise in bespoke hospitality and design, Priti Mahajan will examine the evolving responsibilities of hotel operators in creating destination driven experiences, once the domain of boutique establishments. She paints the evolved consumer who seeks meaningful engagement with local culture and showcases best practices from iconic hotels worldwide.

Sri Lanka+, the South Asian travel experience

Bandana Tewari, former Vogue India’s Editor-at-Large and seasoned advocate of slow travel, shares her insights on the potential for North American luxe travellers, emphasising Sri Lanka’s unique mix of luxury and culture, coupled with seamless add-ons from other South Asian countries, making it a destination worth crossing half the world for. 

Inspiring a nation’s imagination and shared purpose

V Sunil’s illustrious journey, from crafting the iconic Incredible India campaign to spearheading the global ‘Make in India’ movement, showcases his visionary approach to elevating India’s image on the world stage. He shares his experiences on using creativity and design to redefine India as a high-end tourist destination, and his work on the Urban Regeneration Project restoring the Walled City of Jodhpur to its former glory through a mix of architecture, art, retail and hospitality. Sunil’s experiences offer valuable lessons for Sri Lanka in defining its positioning and unlocking its full potential. 

The forum provides attendees a chance to make meaningful connections, discuss new business opportunities and collaborations in a more informal setting, fostering relationships that can benefit long-term growth. It’s a valuable resource for professionals in the travel and tourism industry, offering vital insights into the evolving expectations of luxury travellers and the fresh approaches to cater to this niche market. By addressing emerging trends, digital solutions, and the importance of authentic, culturally immersive experiences, the forum equips industry professionals with the knowledge to stay ahead of new demands and opportunities.

Held at Cinnamon Life City of Dreams, Friday 8 November 2024 from  9 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. as part of Sri Lanka Design Festival presented by the Academy of Design. Tickets are now available; For more information and to purchase, visit www.srilankadesignfestival.lk or contact [email protected]