The 5^th International Conference on Hospitality and Tourism Management 2017 organized by The International Institute of Knowledge Management (TIIKM) Sri Lanka in collaboration with Uva Wellassa University, Sri Lanka , Centre of Excellence in MICE and Business Events Industry partner (CEMBEI) and Ministry of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs , Sri Lanka was held on the 17 and 18 of October in Colombo, Sri Lanka. ICOHT 2017 was held under the theme “Tourism & Hospitality around the World : Industry – academia collaborations, Innovations and the Future”, and was chaired by Dr. Chandana (Chandi) Jayawardena (President – Chandi J. Associates Inc. Consulting, Canada, International Ambassador & Past President – Institute of Hospitality (HCIMA), UK) and Prof. Sarath Kotagama (Professor of Environmental Science, Department of Zoology, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka).