Hiran Cooray, Chairman of Jetwing Symphony PLC and Lighthouse Hotel PLC, has been appointed to the Board of Trustees of the PATA Foundation, marking a notable recognition for Sri Lanka’s tourism leadership at the regional level.

The appointment places Cooray among a select group of global industry leaders entrusted with guiding the Foundation’s strategic direction. The Board of Trustees serves as the governing body responsible for advancing the organisation’s mission of equipping the next generation across the Asia Pacific region with the knowledge and skills required to build sustainable careers in tourism and hospitality.

Established in 1984 in the United States as a charitable arm of the Pacific Asia Travel Association, the PATA Foundation is dedicated to promoting sustainable and equitable development in the travel and tourism sector. Over the years, the Foundation has contributed more than USD 1.3 million towards initiatives focused on human capital development in 38 destinations worldwide, with a strong emphasis on supporting vulnerable communities across the Asia Pacific region.

Leading the newly appointed Board as Chair is Andrew Jones, Guardian of Sanctuary Resorts, who previously served as Vice Chair and Trustee of the Foundation as well as Chair of PATA. A respected veteran of the global tourism industry, Jones has also been recognised as a PATA Life Member for his longstanding contribution to the sector.

Commenting on his appointment, Jones noted that the Foundation is entering a renewed phase of activity following the disruption caused by the pandemic. “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the PATA Foundation experienced a hiatus of activity; however, we are now fully operational and moving forward with renewed passion and purpose as our industry transitions from recovery to sustainable growth,” he said.

He further emphasised the continued importance of supporting communities and promoting responsible tourism practices as the industry evolves.

With more than five decades of experience in global tourism and hospitality, Jones is widely recognised for his expertise in sustainable tourism development, risk management, and corporate social responsibility. In 1996 he founded Sanctuary Resorts, a resort management company dedicated to wellness tourism and community development.

Supporting him as Vice Chair of the Foundation is Simon Lloyd, Dean of Hospitality Management and Business Administration at Dusit Thani College.

The Board of Trustees also includes Cooray alongside other prominent industry figures such as Sarah Mathews, CEO of e-Tourism Frontiers, and Stephen Pearce, Partner for Tourism and Leisure at Gaining Edge.

Cooray’s appointment is seen as a positive development for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, bringing the country’s perspective into an influential regional platform that focuses on sustainability, human capital development, and inclusive growth within the travel and tourism sector across the Asia Pacific region