Founder, Kalukanda House
Dee Gibson is founder of Kalukanda House in Sri Lanka, listed in Conde Nast Best Places to Visit in Asia in 2024.
Her passion for intersecting regenerative, transformative Design with Travel has led to a focus on “changing outdated narratives” by showcasing creative talent that reflects a modern, dynamic Sri Lanka to the world.
Dee has been a regular speaker at International events, chairing panel discussions and presenting thought leadership pieces. Awards include Top 100 Female Entrepreneurs 2019, 23 Women to watch in Travel in 2023 by Travel Pulse’, Highly Commended Company DEI Champion IWTTF, 2023. In 2024, Dee co-founded ‘Women in Travel Collective’, a Sri Lankan national organisation driving for equity in hospitality. She has set up the ‘Sustainable Travel Community’ at The Conduit in London and is Deputy Chair of Trustees for Sri Lankan Charity Their Future Today. She also hosts a podcast on Sri Lankan people.
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Awards give you an opportunity to reflect on the hard work you invest in your business and the all important “why” of the effort. We often work so hard to look ahead, we forget to pause and take a look at achievements and the positive impact of the work we do. Add to that, women need to shout even louder to be heard above the current noise of global divisive rhetoric, if you are working to uphold progressive and inclusive values through your work, applications for credible awards such as IWTTF are a critical part of being heard and recognised. Inspire others and showcase what you do!