📈 Northern Province Youth Tourism Initiative

The Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM), in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), successfully concluded a series of youth tourism awareness programs in the Northern Province (Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar). • The initiative aims to raise awareness, strengthen employability, and support the long-term development of Northern Province tourism as a competitive destination. • Over 220 applications were received, with 80 youth (aged 18-28) selected for two-day practical training in key hotel operations (e.g., front office, F&B, housekeeping). • A significant highlight was the strong participation and enthusiasm from young women, who gained confidence after engaging with successful female hospitality professionals. • A panel discussion focused on building a new tourism identity, stressing the need to leverage the North's culture, cuisine, and untouched environment as unique selling points (USP). • ADB affirmed that tourism will be increasingly integrated into its future mainstream funding portfolio, while SLITHM plans to expand education and training in the North. • Panelists underscored the need for a collaborative public-private approach, with a suggestion to establish a special chamber to guide future tourism strategy in the region.