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 |