New PATA Chairman Hiran Cooray is an experienced tourism industry professional with a wealth of experience across the Asia Pacific region. He was appointed Managing Director of Jetwing Hotels in 1987 and quickly developed a reputation for creating specialist boutique properties in his home country of Sri Lanka.

Hiran has taken a very active role in the repositioning of tourism in Sri Lanka and was conferred with the honorary title ‘Sri Lanka Sikhamani’ by Her Excellency the President of the Socialist Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka. He has served with distinction as a Board member of the Sri Lankan Tourism Development Authority and also sits on the Board of The Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

He has displayed remarkable commitment to sustainable tourism and has served as Chairman of the Responsible Tourism Partnership of Sri Lanka.

A Marketing graduate from the University of North Carolina, Hiran Cooray has previously served as Chairman of the PATA Sri Lanka Chapter. He became Chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association at the PATA annual meeting held in Kuching, Sarawak in April 2010. He is a keen cricketer and a life member of the Singhalese Sports Club. He also enjoys bird watching.