Sustainable Tourism Initiative

The Sustainable Tourism Initiative was initiated to support its members in the Sri Lankan tourism sector to improve their sustainability performance. Sustainability in tourism had been a global trend before the pandemic. By focussing on integrating sustainable business practices into the core of Sri Lanka’s third most important economic sector, the Initiative will significantly contribute to building back better and help its members be well prepared for when tourism can fully set off again.

The Initiative defines sustainable tourism as business practice contributing to the fulfilment of the Sustainable Development Goals and relies on best practices of relevant sector standards and certifications. Support is offered to our members by helping to improve their sustainability performance as well as through outreach and marketing activities to position Sri Lanka as a sustainable destination in the source markets.

What the Initiative does

Self-Assessments & roadmap development

The Initiative offers a first self-assessment for all its members to establish the status quo of he company’s sustainability performance. The self-assessment is based on relevant international standards for sustainable tourism and the common commitment signed by each member. Subsequently, a roadmap is developed including the next steps the company can do to become more sustainable.

Know-how transfer

The Initiative offers know-how transfer to support its members with the implementation of their roadmaps. Planned measures include training modules on social and environmental sustainability, certification schemes, practical improvements and best practice sharing. Members also have the option to join project groups and work together on concrete solutions.

Outreach and marketing

One of the main pillars of the Initiative is outreach to source markets such as Germany, as well as marketing activities to promote Sri Lanka and the Initiative members as sustainable tourism destination. The aim is to position Sri Lankan as a safe and sustainable destination. 

Preparation support for certification

Another service offered to our members is the support to prepare for certification.

Commitment

Members sign a common commitment to the vision, aims and implementation of the initiative. Read here.

Related Events

Training Module I - Introduction to Sustainable Tourism (30 September 2021)

In this first training, the concept of Sustainable Tourism was explained in more detail, focusing on the sustainability challenges within the action areas of the Initiative. The members were introduced to existing Sri Lankan best practices as well as ideas for improvement. In a second part, the practical implementation of the commitment signed by all members was in focus. Namely, the self-assessment questionnaire, to be filled in by each member, was explained in detail. The training included guidance on creating a roadmap for improvement for each member, based on the opportunities identified in the self-assessment.

Access the Recording here: Module 01 - 30th September 2021

Sustainable Tourism Certification – Benefits and Opportunities 1 (27 October 2021)

In this first training, the types, quality criteria as well as challenges and benefits of Sustainability Certification were explained in detail. The initiative founding member GoVacation provided input on their experience of going through the certification process. In the second part of the training session, Travelife certification organisations for accommodation and tour operators introduced their initiatives, including the practical steps to go through the certification process.

Access the Recording here: Module 02 - 27 October 2021

Sustainable Tourism Certification – Benefits and Opportunities 2 (02 November 2021)

In the second training, TourCert introduced their certification programme for accommodations, tour operators as well as attractions.

Access the Recording here: Module 02 (Part 2) 02 November 2021

Members

  Signatories of the Sustainable Tourism Initiative 

Jetwing Symphony PLC

Wayfarers Ltd

Fox Resorts

Anantara Hotels

Ayurvie Retreats

Hayleys Travels

Kitesurfing Lanka

Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO)

Palm2Go

Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL)

Go Vacation

Sri Lanka Chauffeur Guide Association (SLCGA)

Aitken Spence Travel

Travel Agents Association of Sri Lanka (TAASL)

Thinnai Hotel

Sri Lankan Institute of National Tourist Guide Lecturers (SLINTGL)

Hilton Colombo Residencies

Aitken Spence Hotels 

TravelWind Holidays Silverline Tours
Tour Blue Holdings  Hamoos Travels 
Blue Lanka Tours  Green Tours and Resorts 
Jetwing Travels  Association of Small and Medium Enterprises in Tourism (ASMET) 
Travel Fantasy DMC  Paradise Holidays 
Andrew The Travel Company Pvt Ltd  Island Adventures Private Limited 
Infinity Vacations Walkers Tours Limited and Whittalls Travels 
The Fabulous Getaway 

Theme Resorts & Spas PVT Ltd 

Connaissance De Ceylan Pvt Ltd  Summer Explorers Pvt Ltd  
Jungle Beach Ahungalla   Ceylon Tours 
Sustainable Sri Lanka  Teardrop Hotels 
NEUE WEGE Reisen GmbH 

Tropical Asia Tours 

NKAR Travels & Tours (Pvt) Ltd 

Traveli Ceylon Holidays Pvt. Ltd
Growth Fosters  BOC Travel 
Ceylon Roots  Jagath Tours and Travels 
Sun Bird Lanka Tours & Travels (Pvt) Ltd  Helanka Vacations
Jetwing Adventures Uga Escapes 
Atro Holidays   

Best Practices by our Members

Partners