With a focus on sustainable supply chains, the awards honoured companies committed to eco-friendly and socially responsible practices. The ceremony provided a platform for showcasing innovations in sustainability, empowering businesses to adopt practices that positively impact both people and the environment.
The awards recognized excellence across two core areas in tourism: Tour Operator/Destination Management Company (DMC), and Hotel and Accommodation Service Provider. To promote inclusivity, subcategories were introduced to highlight the achievements of both large enterprises as well as small and medium enterprises (SMEs), enabling a broad representation of sustainable efforts across the industry.
The winners were:
- Tour Operator/Destination Management Company (DMC) - Large Enterprise: Aitken Spence Travels (Pvt) Ltd
- Tour Operator/Destination Management Company (DMC) - Small and Medium Sized Enterprise: DTH Travel Sri Lanka
- Hotel and Accommodation Service Provider - Large Enterprise: Hilton Colombo
- Hotel and Accommodation Service Provider - Small and Medium Sized Enterprise: Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort (Pvt) Ltd
The runners-up were:
- Tour Operator/Destination Management Company (DMC) - Large Enterprise: Walkers Tours Limited
- Tour Operator/Destination Management Company (DMC) - Small and Medium Sized Enterprise: Go Vacation Lanka Co. (Private) Limited, Classic Destinations (Pvt) Ltd, The Curious Experience (Pvt.) Limited
- Hotel and Accommodation Service Provider- Large Enterprise: Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort, Jetwing Colombo Seven by Jetwing City Pvt (Ltd)
- Hotel and Accommodation Service Provider - Small and Medium Sized Enterprise: Galle Face Hotel, Midigama Fruit Farm Pvt Ltd cum Senses Yoga Platform
The winners were selected by a distinguished panel of experts in sustainable tourism, with representatives from AHK Sri Lanka, FNF Sri Lanka, and sustainability leaders in the sector. Each awardee was honoured with a physical token and a certificate.
Ms. Marie Antonia von Schönburg, Chief Delegate of AHK Sri Lanka, highlighted AHK Sri Lanka’s commitment to sustainability, stating, “Today’s awards exemplify the impactful role sustainable practices play in shaping a responsible tourism sector in Sri Lanka. We are immensely proud of each awardee, whose commitment to sustainability not only raises industry standards but also protects Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural heritage.”
The Sustainability Awards 2024 serves as a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to create a more sustainable and responsible tourism industry. By spotlighting the initiatives of forward-thinking businesses, the event continues to inspire positive change across the sector, encouraging further collaboration and innovation in sustainable tourism practices.
Mr. Wolfgang Heinze, Head of FNF Sri Lanka, added, “These awards highlight the transformative power of sustainability in tourism. By recognizing businesses that prioritize ethical and eco-friendly practices, we hope to inspire others in the industry to take bold steps toward a sustainable future.”
The Sustainability Awards Ceremony 2024 was successfully concluded, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees and reinforcing the importance of sustainable practices in shaping the future of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.
AHK Sri Lanka is part of the German Chamber Network supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). With 150 locations in 93 countries around the world, the members of the German Chamber Network (AHKs) offer their experience, connections, and services to German companies as well as enterprises of the respective partner countries. AHKs are located in all countries of particular importance to German Industry and are closely connected to the Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHKs) in Germany.