Walkers Tours Launches Industrial Training Center at Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka: Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice in Tourism Education

In an inspiring new initiative, Walkers Tours has partnered with Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka to inaugurate an incubation center that seeks to equip tourism management students with the practical experience needed to excel in the industry. The concept, initially envisioned by Nalaka Amaratunga in 2022, has been meticulously developed over the last two years and is now set to launch in November 2024.

The new Industrial Training Center will house twelve students from the university’s tourism management bachelor’s program—six from the senior batch and six from the junior batch. This selected group of students will engage in hands-on training, guided by industry experts from Walkers Tours, Sri Lanka’s leading Destination Management Company. Designed to provide an immersive learning experience, the center is a testament to the company’s commitment to advancing industry standards and empowering young professionals.

A key component of the university’s tourism management curriculum is the mandatory internship requirement in the fourth year. While students emerge with strong theoretical foundations, they often lack the hands-on experience needed to seamlessly transition into the workforce. Walkers Tours’ Industrial Training Center addresses this challenge directly, providing a structured training program that will bridge the gap between theory and practice.

The curriculum of the center emphasizes critical industry skills, focusing on areas such as customer service, operational management, and digital tourism technologies, giving students the real-world insights they need to thrive in the evolving tourism sector. Through exposure to live projects, problem-solving scenarios, and mentorship from experienced industry professionals, students will graduate better prepared to handle the dynamic demands of the tourism industry.

“We are thrilled to bring Nalaka Amaratunga’s vision to life and contribute to the professional growth of future tourism leaders in Sri Lanka,” stated Mr. Hiran Dinusha, Senior Lecturer and Coordinator of the B.Sc. (Hons.) Tourism Management Degree Program at the inauguration ceremony. Our aim is to provide an environment that goes beyond classroom learning, immersing students in real-world experiences that will foster both their personal and professional development.

This initiative not only reflects Walkers Tours’ dedication to educational excellence but also signals an essential collaboration between academia and industry. By fostering this connection, Walkers Tours and Sabaragamuwa University are setting a new benchmark for tourism education in Sri Lanka, paving the way for a more skilled, competent, and industry-ready workforce. The Industrial Training Center is set to become a valuable addition to Sabaragamuwa University’s resources, strengthening its reputation as a leader in tourism education in Sri Lanka and creating meaningful opportunities for its students.