Aitken Spence Institute of Hotel Management has been awarded the title of “World’s Leading Sustainable Female Empowerment Initiative” at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards 2025. This remarkable recognition, presented at the Terra Pavilion in Expo City Dubai, marks a defining milestone in the Institute’s mission to nurture and empower the next generation of young professionals, readying them with the skills and confidence necessary to shape the future of the hospitality industry.

A powerful testament to the Institute’s unwavering commitment to inclusive education and gender empowerment, this Award was earned through a highly competitive and rigorous selection process, involving over 745 entries, a comprehensive evaluation by students of Sustainable Business at Nova Business School, and more than 20,000 professional votes. The World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards are held under the guidance of an Advisory Board of global leaders, comprised of Government Ministers, leading academics, the World Travel & Tourism Council, the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, and senior figures from the international tourism sector.

Established in 2007, as part of Aitken Spence’s Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative, the Institute of Hotel Management operates in collaboration with the TUI Care Foundation and the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, providing world-class vocational education and hands-on experience. With Hotel Schools located at Heritance Ahungalla and Heritance Kandalama, the Institute provides comprehensive training in Food & Beverage, Housekeeping, and Culinary Development, following an intensive five-month programme that blends classroom instruction with real-world experience.

More than 1,400 students have graduated from the Institute to date, many of whom have gone on to secure placements within Aitken Spence Hotels. 2025, in particular, marked a transformative moment, with the Institute’s first all-female batch; 21 women undertaking the Food & Beverage programme at Heritance Ahungalla.

Commenting on the Award, Stasshani Jayawardena, Chairperson of Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings PLC, said, “This recognition reaffirms our commitment to developing the next generation of hospitality leaders. The Aitken Spence Institute of Hotel Management harnesses practical training and real-world expertise, empowering young women and men with the tools to succeed. Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive, and future-ready hospitality industry for Sri Lanka.”

In partnership with the TUI Academy and the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, students receive comprehensive support, including accommodation, meals, uniforms, and a stipend throughout their period of training. The TUI Care Foundation, an independent charitable organisation founded by TUI, one of the world’s leading tourism groups, continues to champion initiatives that harness the power of travel to protect, nurture and uplift local communities.

This global recognition underscores Aitken Spence’s belief that true sustainability begins with empowering people: cultivating talent, inspiring ambition, and developing skilled professionals ready to shape a stronger, more dynamic hospitality industry for the future.

About Aitken Spence Institute of Hotel Management

The Aitken Spence Institute of Hotel Management was established in 2007 as a CSR initiative under Aitken Spence Hotels and is managed by its Learning and Development arm. The institute operates in Ahungalla and Kandalama, providing training in key hospitality disciplines to students from the locality. Supported by the TUI Academy and the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, it has successfully trained over 800 students, creating a tangible impact in the industry by fostering skilled professionals.

About Aitken Spence Hotels

Heritance Hotels and Resorts is the flagship brand of Aitken Spence Hotels, a part of Aitken Spence PLC, a leading Sri Lankan blue-chip conglomerate. Aitken Spence Hotels oversees a diverse collection of 18 hotels and resorts across Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Oman, and India through its diverse collection of brands Heritance Hotels and Resorts, Adaaran Hotels & Resorts, and Turyaa. Heritance Hotels & Resorts stands as the custodian of the largest portfolio of Bawa designed hotels in Sri Lanka, adding a touch of architectural distinction to its rich offerings.