The Department of Marketing & Tourism Management in Faculty of Business of NSBM Green University proudly hosted the Murdoch University Study Tour 2024, a transformative educational initiative funded by the Australian Government’s New Colombo Plan. Spanning from November 22 to December 9, the program exemplified academic excellence and cross-cultural collaboration, offering students who are followingthe Sustainable Tourism Development unit (TOU 310) at Murdoch University an unparalleled opportunity to explore the principles of regenerative tourism within Sri Lanka’s rich cultural and ecological landscape.
Central to the program’s success were the project leads from Murdoch University –Janith Iddawala (PhD candidate and Casual Academic) and Thisal Yatawara (Lecturer), Senelie Gunaratne (Temp. Lecturer), and Navindu Sathsara (Temp. Lecturer) from NSBM Green University—who ensured a well-coordinated and impactful experience for participants. Additionally, the dedicated efforts from Thema Collection as the hospitality partner, enabled an exquisite experience for their guests by offering accommodation at Aliya Resorts, Lost and Found and Ayurvie Weligama while providing logistical assistance throughout the program.
Guidance from Murdoch University’s Dr. Diane Lee, Academic Chair for Tourism and Events, along with NSBM Green University’s Thilini De Silva – Dean of the Faculty of Business, and Venura Colombage – Head of the Department of Marketing and Tourism Management, further enriched the academic depth and industry relevance of the study tour.
Comprehensive Engagement and Key Highlights:
Academic sessions delving into regenerative tourism themes, leveraging cultural heritage, and exploring the intersection of wellness tourism and sustainability.
Guided field visits to iconic locations such as Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Ritigala Monastery, Dambulla Cave Temple, Colombo, Weligama and Galle providing students with firsthand exposure to sustainable tourism models.
Interactive workshops on local craftsmanship, eco-friendly initiatives, and regenerative practices hosted at Aliya Resort and Spa, Ayurvie Sigiriya and Ayurvie Weligama facilitated by Thema Collection.
The program’s success was greatly enhanced by the dynamic collaboration between 16 Australian students and eight NSBM students. Together, they identified key challenges and developed innovative solutions through a regenerative approach. This not only strengthened the academic rigor of the experience but also fostered meaningful relationships and a culture of collaborative learning.
A defining feature of the study tour was the final day of presentations, where over 20 industry experts joined discussions with students to probe regenerative tourism solutions. This platform provided invaluable real-world insights and reinforced the practical applicability of academic concepts explored throughout the tour.
Reflecting on the success of the initiative, Thilini De Silva remarked, “This program has showcased how academic partnerships can drive meaningful change in tourism education, focusing on sustainability and cultural preservation.” Dr. Lee from Murdoch University echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the role of regenerative tourism in shaping the future of the industry.
The Murdoch University Study Tour 2024 stands as a testament to the power of academic collaboration and experiential learning in fostering innovative approaches to sustainable tourism. The enduring partnership between NSBM Green University and Murdoch University continues to pave the way for future advancements in tourism education and development.
