Dr. Dharshana Weerakoon, DBA (USA):

Bridging Tourism, Academia & Digital Influence

Bridging Tourism, Academia & Digital Influence

Dr. Dharshana Weerakoon stands as a distinguished Tourism & Hospitality Specialist, seamlessly weaving together academic rigor, global leadership, and an impactful digital footprint—spanning platforms from TripAdvisor to YouTube—with management experience across Sri Lanka, Maldives, Zanzibar, Rwanda, UAE, and Saudi Arabia.

1. Digital Voice: Inspiring, Educating, Connecting

  • TripAdvisor: Dr. Weerakoon has emerged as a powerhouse of trusted travel content, sharing wisdom through hundreds of reviews and photos that have amassed over 327,000 traveler views and secured titles like Reviews Superstar, Photos Superstar, and Top 1% Authority globally.
  • YouTube & X (formerly Twitter): As a thought leader and strategist—particularly on sustainable, future-focused tourism in Sri Lanka—he uses his video and social media presence to articulate insights with authority and clarity.
  • Facebook & LinkedIn: These platforms further extend Dr. Weerakoon’s influence—sparking conversations, sharing reflections on culture and management, and reinforcing his professional credibility across networks.

2. Academic & Professional Impact

Education & Leadership

Dr. Weerakoon holds a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Tourism & Hospitality Management from Azteca University (International Programmes), along with an MBA in Finance from the University of Suffolk, UK, and MBA & BBA degrees from European Continental University, USA.
He currently serves as Course Director in the Department of Finance and Business Management at the Institute of Professional Studies & Skill Development, Sri Lanka.

Prolific Scholarship

With 352 publications and over 4,300 reads, Dr. Weerakoon’s research spans diverse topics—from strategic industry analysis to tourism development and policy critique. Notable works include:

  • Why Sri Lankan Hotels Lag Behind Maldives Resorts in ADR: A comparative, data-driven dive into why Sri Lanka’s hospitality sector trails behind the Maldives in Average Daily Rate.
  • The Impact of Airbnb on Sri Lanka’s Tourism: A balanced assessment of Airbnb’s disruptive potential—highlighting community empowerment, diversification of offerings, and accompanying regulatory challenges.
  • The Crisis in Hospitality Education: A critical examination advocating for greater industry experience among hospitality educators in Sri Lanka.
  • Traversing the Pekoe Trail : Exploring the eco-tourism and cultural heritage potential of Sri Lanka’s scenic tea country through sustainable trekking.
  • Illuminating the Night: Research on astro-tourism possibilities in Sri Lanka’s light-pollution-free zones, showcasing his interest in niche sustainable tourism domains.

Other contributions by Dr. Weerakoon explore tourism futures, wellbeing tourism, higher education reform, strategic business models, and more.

Executive & Industry Expertise

As a seasoned operations and finance executive with over 28 years in leadership roles, Dr. Weerakoon brings deep insight into the intersection of strategic planning, entrepreneurship, innovation, and marketing in tourism and hospitality.

3. A Shared Vision for Global Hospitality

Dr. Weerakoon’s multi-platform journey reflects a cohesive narrative:

  • TripAdvisor—he is the trusted guide, helping travelers make informed choices.
  • Research & academia—he is the critical thinker, advancing theory with real-world relevance.
  • YouTube & Social Media—he is the storyteller, translating experiences into inspiration.
  • LinkedIn & Beyond—he is the connector, fostering partnerships across cultures and sectors.

Grounded in both practice and scholarship, his work champions sustainability, education reform, strategic industry development, and cultural immersion as catalysts for hospitality innovation.

Next Steps & Opportunities for Visibility

  • Launch a Personal Website or Blog: A hub that consolidates his TripAdvisor honors, YouTube channel, and research portfolio would further elevate his digital authority.
  • Speak & Share: Dr. Weerakoon is well-positioned to present at industry conferences or webinars on themes such as ADR disparities, astro-tourism, and hospitality education reform.
  • Collaborate: He can partner with universities and tourism boards to pilot eco-trails, well-being retreats, or academic-industry exchange programs.

Dr. Dharshana Weerakoon, DBA (USA), is a globally experienced Tourism & Hospitality Specialist, C-level executive, academic leader, and digital storyteller—uniting strategic management insights with global travel passion across Sri Lanka, Maldives, Zanzibar, Rwanda, UAE, and Saudi Arabia. His research spans ADR dynamics, sustainable tourism innovations, hospitality education reform, and eco-centric travel. Through storytelling, teaching, and community building, Dr. Weerakoon builds bridges that inspire and mobilize the future of hospitality.

Further Reading: https://dharshanaweerakoon.com/beyond-brochures/

Additional Reading: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7046073343568977920/

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