Sri Lanka has achieved a significant milestone in the global tourism sector with Deputy Minister of Tourism, Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, being honored with the prestigious 2026 SITF Eminent Tourism Pioneer Award at the 41st Seoul International Travel Fair (SITF) held in Seoul, South Korea, yesterday (04)
The award is presented following a rigorous evaluation process conducted by the SITF Tourism Award Committee, which recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to tourism through both academic research and industry engagement.
This year, three distinguished Korean tourism leaders and three international personalities were selected for the honour. Prof. Ranasinghe's recognition marks a historic first for Sri Lanka, as he becomes the first Sri Lankan to receive the award in the 41-year history of the Seoul International Travel Fair.
The award highlights not only Prof. Ranasinghe’s personal achievements but also Sri Lanka’s growing prominence in the global tourism arena. It reflects the country's commitment to sustainable tourism development, innovation, research excellence, and international collaboration.
Expressing his gratitude, Prof. Ranasinghe stated that the recognition is both a personal honour and a testament to Sri Lanka’s emergence as a leading travel destination. He reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening the country's tourism industry and promoting Sri Lanka’s unique experiences to the global community.
The accolade serves as a significant endorsement of Sri Lanka’s efforts to position itself as a key player in the international tourism sector while advancing academic and practical contributions to global tourism development.
