🏆 THASL Launches Tourism Excellence Awards 2026

The Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) has officially launched the inaugural Sri Lanka Tourism Excellence Awards 2026 to elevate local hospitality standards and enhance global competitiveness. • Key Initiative Details • Objective: Recognize top performers and benchmark the tourism & hospitality sector against international quality standards. • Organizers: Spearheaded by THASL—the primary private sector investor with over US$ 15 Bn in industry investments—in partnership with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB). • Target Sectors: SLTDA-registered entities (minimum 3 years registration) including hotels, restaurants, tourism marketers, and service providers. • Evaluation & Timeline • 7 Core Dimensions: Covers guest experience, product quality, innovation, sustainability, financial performance, leadership, and socioeconomic impact. • Governance: Independent judging panel alongside an Advisory and Technical Committee to ensure full transparency. • Applications: Open now until 30 Nov. 2026. • Gala Event: Winners will be crowned at a grand ceremony in January 2027. • Strategic Impact • Aims to counter negative impacts from the unregulated informal accommodation sector by highlighting high-quality formal operators. • Enhances global exposure for local brands through international marketing channels and recognition platforms.