Deputy Minister Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe Receives Prestigious SITF Eminent Tourism Pioneer Award 2026
Sri Lanka achieved a major milestone in the global tourism sector when Deputy Minister of Tourism Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe was presented with the prestigious **2026 SITF Eminent Tourism Pioneer Award** at the 41st **Seoul International Travel Fair (SITF)** in Seoul, South Korea, on June 4.
The award is granted following a rigorous evaluation process conducted by the SITF Tourism Award Committee, which recognizes individuals who have made exceptional 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 is historic, as he becomes the first Sri Lankan to receive the award in the 41-year history of the Seoul International Travel Fair.
The accolade 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.
Speaking after receiving the award, Prof. Ranasinghe said the recognition was 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 travel experiences to the global community.
The award is widely viewed as a significant endorsement of Sri Lanka’s efforts to position itself as a key player in the international tourism sector while advancing both academic and practical contributions to global tourism development.
