Ruwan Ratnayaka and Beyond Escapes sweep four honours at Asia Awards 2023

Ruwan Ratnayaka, the CEO of Beyond Escapes, secured two prestigious awards at the Asia Awards 2023 – Asia’s Tourism Icon Award and Asia’s Outstanding CEO Award. Beyond Escapes, under his leadership, also clinched two significant accolades: Asia’s Innovative Travel and Tourism Award and Asia’s Outstanding Community-Based Tourism Award, a release said.

It said: This marks the third occasion that Beyond Escapes has been recognized as the most innovative tourism services provider on the international stage. Previous accolades include the 2021 titles from the Travel and Hospitality Awards and Go Global Awards. The consistent recognition is attributed to the company’s innovative strategies, particularly its adept handling of business during the challenging COVID period, focusing on domestic travelers.

Ruwan Ratnayaka, with over 17 years in the industry and an extensive educational background, including a B.Sc. in Tourism Management, MBA in Marketing, and a Professional Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing (CIM), is currently on the verge of completing his Ph.D. He has contributed significantly to the industry as a resource person, university lecturer, and an innovative entrepreneur, creating brands like Beyond Escapes, Leopard Nest, Aktivitar, Glamp Collection, the MICE Team, and Be Sports. His sustainability and community-based tourism initiatives, such as “Go Camping Go Green,” have received international acclaim. One standout initiative is Ruwan’s 17-acre reforestation program in Yala, featuring the Leopard Nest tree house glamping concept.

Winning four titles in a single award ceremony is a remarkable achievement for Beyond Escapes, especially as the company celebrates its 10th anniversary in business in 2023.