eMarketingEye (EME), the region’s leading digital marketing agency for the hospitality industry, successfully hosted EME Level Up: AI Hospitality Connect Sri Lanka 2026 at Shangri La Colombo, bringing together more than 200 delegates representing over 80 hospitality brands from Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Malaysia and Thailand.
Held under the theme “Think. Innovate. Elevate.”, the conference highlighted the growing influence of artificial intelligence, digital marketing and data driven strategies in transforming hospitality businesses and strengthening competitiveness in an increasingly AI first travel landscape.
Addressing the gathering, eMarketingEye Chief Executive Officer Rajitha Dahanayake said the strong turnout demonstrated the hospitality sector’s determination to embrace artificial intelligence, unlock new opportunities and remain competitive in the rapidly evolving future of travel.
Delegates heard presentations from experts representing eMarketingEye and global technology partners including Aven Hospitality, TrustYou and Lighthouse. Discussions explored emerging trends such as Generative Engine Optimisation, AI powered paid campaigns, AI generated creative content, AI visibility tracking, guest data monetisation and the changing hotel booking journey.
A major highlight of the conference was the fireside discussion titled “Reimagining Destination Marketing: How AI is Rewriting the Path to Discovery.” The panel featured Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam, Visit Maldives Corporation Chairperson Abdulla Ghiyas and Rajitha Dahanayake, with the discussion moderated by HSMAI Managing Director Asia Glen A. Grosic. The panel examined how artificial intelligence is reshaping destination marketing, traveller behaviour and tourism competitiveness.
During the event, eMarketingEye also launched the June 2026 AI Visibility Reports for Sri Lanka and the Maldives through its proprietary AEYEPULSE platform. The reports evaluate how hotels and resorts are discovered and recommended across leading AI platforms, providing valuable insights into the future of digital visibility.
The conference concluded with a networking session, reinforcing regional collaboration while positioning artificial intelligence as a key driver of innovation and sustainable growth within the hospitality industry.
