The General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU), in partnership with Japan, has embarked on a transformative mission aimed at enhancing the tourism industry through pioneering research initiatives focused on sustainable development.
In an exclusive interview with the Daily FT, Professor Hajime Tozaki, a distinguished expert in tourism and economics from the Department of Airline Management at Japan’s J.F. Oberlin University (JFOU), along with Dr. Hemantha Premarathne, Head of the Department of Social Sciences at KDU, shared their insights into this endeavor. Drawing from their extensive research findings and experiences, they discussed strategies for fostering a more inclusive and sustainable tourism industry.
Professor Tozaki, holding a PhD in Economics along with M.A. and B.A. degrees in Economics from Kyoto University, Japan, and having studied at the Graduate School of Economic History at Glasgow University, United Kingdom, stands as a pivotal figure in the collaborative efforts between Sri Lanka and Japan to rejuvenate the country’s tourism sector through crucial research on sustainable development. Besides his years of experience in lecturing and research, Professor Tozaki has served as a tourism advisor for Sri Lanka and currently holds several significant advisory positions in Japan.
As part of the International Student Exchange Program between KDU and JFOU, Professor Tozaki will accompany a group of 10 Japanese students on their upcoming visit to Sri Lanka scheduled for March 10.
The Significance of Research for Sustainable Solutions:
Professor Tozaki emphasized the need for innovative approaches in Sri Lanka to address challenges such as environmental sustainability, cultural preservation, and community engagement within the tourism landscape. He stressed the importance of leveraging research to identify key areas for improvement and fostering partnerships with Japanese universities to enhance tourism practices in Sri Lanka.
Highlighting the importance of empirical and theoretical studies, Professor Tozaki called for sustainable tourism policies to be integrated as fundamental practices for the sector’s development and the economy at large. Drawing from Japan’s tourism industry, he underscored the significance of viewing leisure activities not merely as recreational pursuits but as integral components of a thriving economic sector. He also provided insights into effective strategies for managing over-tourism, citing Japan’s balanced approach involving careful planning, research, sustainable development initiatives, and community engagement.
Dr. Premarathne echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of education and collaboration in driving positive change within the tourism sector. Leveraging Japan’s advancements in service quality and the hospitality industry, KDU aims to elevate Sri Lanka’s tourism offerings.
Source: Daily FT
