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(IN SHORT) Hilton has been named the Best Workplace in Sri Lanka™ 2025 by Great Place to Work®, topping the large-sized business category for the first time after four years as the leading hospitality employer. This recognition coincides with Hilton’s recent regional awards in Vietnam and the Philippines and comes as Sri Lanka’s tourism sector expands. Highlighting the impact of Hilton’s people-centric approach is the HAPPY apprenticeship program at Hilton Yala Resort, which has trained 33 local youth—five now full-time team members—exemplified by trainee-turned-waitress Vishmi Prabha. Hilton’s suite of global initiatives (Thrive at Hilton, Lead@Hilton, Care for All, Careers@Hilton, Go Hilton) and Southeast Asia–specific programs (GoFlexi!, SEA Management Trainee, Women in Leadership) further demonstrate its commitment to employee growth and well-being. Employee feedback collected through Great Place to Work®’s Culture Audit© and Trust Index© surveys formed the basis of this award.
(PRESS RELEASE) COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, 2025-Jul-3 — /Travel PR News/ — Hilton (NYSE: HLT) has achieved a landmark recognition as the Best Workplace in Sri Lanka™ 2025, securing the top spot in the large-sized business category for the first time. This honor from Great Place to Work® follows Hilton’s four-year streak as the nation’s leading hospitality employer and underscores the company’s dedication to cultivating a purpose-driven, people-first culture.
This accolade complements Hilton’s recent honors across Southeast Asia, where it was named Vietnam’s best workplace and the top hospitality employer in the Philippines. Arriving amid a boom in Sri Lankan tourism and growing demand for skilled local talent, this award reinforces Hilton’s status as an employer of choice that nurtures exceptional careers.
A shining example of Hilton’s impact is the journey of Vishmi Prabha from Yodakandiya village. Through Hilton Yala Resort’s HAPPY (Hospitality Apprenticeship for Youth) program—launched in 2023 by General Manager Gitanjali Chakravarthy—Vishmi gained hands-on experience across food & beverage, housekeeping, and front-office operations, alongside mentorship and life-skills coaching. Today, she thrives as a full-time waitress and inspires peers to pursue hospitality careers. To date, HAPPY has trained 33 participants, five of whom now serve as full-time Hilton team members.
Hilton Colombo Residences team members
“Being named Sri Lanka’s Best Workplace is a collective triumph,” said Alexandra Murray, Area Vice President and Regional Head, Southeast Asia, Hilton. “It speaks to every team member’s commitment to excellence. Stories like Vishmi’s show that outstanding workplaces are built on trust, opportunity, and belief in people.”
Beyond HAPPY, Hilton’s global and regional initiatives foster well-being, leadership, and inclusion. Programs such as Thrive at Hilton (holistic wellness), Lead@Hilton (leadership development), Care for All (caregiving support), Careers@Hilton (youth career outreach), and Go Hilton (team-member travel perks) enrich the employee experience. In Southeast Asia, bespoke offerings like GoFlexi! (flexible work), the SEA Management Trainee Program, and Women in Leadership further support local aspirations.
Great Place to Work® determined the Best Workplaces in Sri Lanka™ 2025 by analyzing confidential employee feedback via its Culture Audit© and Trust Index© surveys. To explore career opportunities with Hilton in Sri Lanka, visit jobs.hilton.com.
Media Contact
Geraldine Ling
Hilton – Asia Pacific
geraldine.ling@hilton.com
SOURCE: Hilton
