15 December
Local Date: Dec 14 2024 |
Local Time: 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Mr. Xu Jing worked as regional director for Asia and the Pacific in the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) from 2004 to 2020 and served as the executive secretary of the Organization for 4 years. At present, he also serves as a board member of the International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA) and a member of the Mekong Tourism Advisory Group. Currently he also serves as the Vice Chairman of the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre (Macao). Graduated from Beijing International Studies University, majoring in English, he received a master's degree in Tourism Management from the University of Surrey, UK. His current research focus is on the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the tourism industry and tourism development policies in Asia. |
Hashan Cooray is a third-generation hotelier. His grandfather, Herbert, founded Jetwing in 1973 with a humble 6 bedroom property on the golden shores of Negombo. Today, Jetwing has grown to be one of the most respected brands in the tourism and hospitality industry with over 50 years of experience in providing authentic Sri Lankan hospitality to travellers from around the world. He currently overlooks all sales and marketing functions of Jetwing Hotels as its Director of Marketing and Development |
Sashika Kaluwahewa Joining the Jetwing family in 2013, Sashika currently functions as Manager – Sustainability, overseeing the brand’s many environmental sustainability initiatives. With both a Bachelors and Masters in Environment Management, she blends academic rigor and practical expertise, highlighting her understanding of environmental issues and ability to integrate theoretical knowledge with impactful solutions. She has played a key role in implementing environmental management systems and developing related policies and strategies that drive the brand's commitment to sustainability. Her responsibilities extend to coordinating sustainability practices across Jetwing's hotels, analyzing sustainability metrics, fostering communication among teams, and ensuring continuous improvement in environmental performance. |
Hugo Pedrosa is a 42-year-old Portuguese professional with an academic background in economics, holding an MBA in Business Management and another MBA in Green and Sustainable Project Management. After a decade and a half working in finance, Hugo decided to change his life, leading him to accept a management role in a project in the Maldives. In 2019, he co-founded Ecoboo and embarked on the construction of the eco boutique hotel as a project manager, closely monitoring the entire process until its operational launch. The hotel was built on the P5 program by GPM, an institution through which Hugo is a certified project manager. |
Dr. Abdulla Mausoom is a tourism expert. At present he is the CEO of Trans Media Pvt Ltd, Maldives and the President of NGO Pathway Maldives. Dr. Mausoom spent over 10 years abroad for higher education in England, Northern Ireland, Germany and Malaysia. In 2023, he was awarded “Tourism Personality of the Year Award” by World Travel Awards. From 2020 to 2023 Dr Mausoom served as the Minister of Tourism for a 2nd time. During his tenure Dr. Mausoom Chaired UNWTO – Commission for South Asia; and was a Member of PATA Executive Board. He also served as the High Commissioner of Maldives to Singapore and Non-Resident High Commissioner to New Zealand. As a Member of Parliament, he represented Kelaa Constituency from 2009 to 2014. In 2008 he held portfolios as the Minister of Tourism & Civil Aviation; and Minister of Environment, Energy and Water. |
Xu Jing Moderator | |
Hashan Cooray Panelist | |
Sashika Kaluwahewa Panelist | |
Hugo Pedrosa Panelist | |
Abdulla Mausoom Panelist | |