SL Tourism promotes vegan-friendly hospitality transformation

By W.A.N.B.S. Siriwardena

In a significant move towards promoting sustainable and ethical practices in the hospitality industry, the VegVoyages Foundation, Vegan Travel Asia and several other international organisations, in collaboration with Sri Lanka Tourism, offered a comprehensive plant-based culinary workshop tailored specifically for Sri Lanka. 

This initiative is a crucial step forward in Sri Lanka’s aspiration to become the most vegan-friendly country in the Asian hospitality sector.

The workshop was designed to promote a global shift towards a plant-based food system, emphasising sustainable practices in response to the climate emergency. 

The (Bio) Diversity Project, Clean Ocean Force Lanka and EarthLanka Youth Network also supported this transformative event.

The industry experts pointed out the recent upward trend in the plant-based industry, with an annual growth rate of 12 percent and estimated that it would be a US $ 162 billion industry by 2030, highlighting significant potential for Sri Lanka to engage with this rapidly growing global trend.  

The event provided the hospitality industry professionals the opportunity to learn about the latest culinary trends and gain practical skills that can advance their careers.

The participants received international certification in sustainability practices, further boosting their professional credentials.

Save Movement and Plant-Based Treaty Campaign Regional Liaison Aprajita Ashish stated, “This initiative aligns with eight of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, including responsible consumption and production, climate action and good health and well-being. By adopting plant-based practices, participants will contribute to a more sustainable future, tapping into the growing vegan market and enhancing their competitive advantage.”

Similar workshops have already been successfully implemented in Bhutan and India, promoting sustainability and opening up new avenues for profit and business growth in the hospitality industry.