A guest lecture titled "Best Practices, Challenges and Future Prospects in Sustainability Initiatives in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry – A Case Study of New Zealand" was successfully held on the 28th of May 2025 at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya. The event was organized by the Department of Archaeology – Students’ Union, Tourism and Cultural Resources Management in collaboration with the New Zealand High Commission, Sri Lanka.

The session featured an insightful presentation by Associate Professor Dr. Julia N. Albrecht from the Department of Tourism, University of Otago, New Zealand, a renowned academic and expert in the fields of sustainable tourism, destination management, and visitor governance.

Dr. Albrecht shared a wealth of knowledge on how New Zealand has pioneered sustainable tourism initiatives, focusing on strategies that not only enhance environmental conservation but also promote inclusive tourism development. She emphasized the vital role of indigenous community involvement in tourism planning and decision-making, particularly in preserving cultural values and ensuring that benefits are equitably shared.

The lecture also addressed some of the pressing challenges faced by New Zealand, such as the exceeding of carrying capacity in popular tourist destinations, which impacts both environmental quality and tourist satisfaction. Through real-world case studies and data-driven insights, Dr. Albrecht illustrated how thoughtful, collaborative planning can create more resilient and responsible tourism models.

Following the presentation, a lively Q&A session took place, where Dr. Albrecht responded to questions from students and academic staff members with clarity, warmth, and enthusiasm. Her engaging delivery and thoughtful perspectives made the session highly interactive and enriching for all participants.

The event was graced by the presence of Ms. Gabrielle Isaak, Deputy High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, New Zealand High Commission; Professor M. M. Gunathilake, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences; and Mrs. Umanga Rammunugoda, Head of the Department of Archaeology, alongside several senior lecturers, academic staff, and undergraduates.

This lecture offered a timely reminder of the importance of sustainability in shaping the future of global tourism and provided valuable insights for tourism students and professionals alike.