Tourism Alliance and USAID Catalyze recognise 20 Sustainability Champions

The Tourism Alliance in collaboration with USAID Catalyze recently felicitated 20 Sustainability Champions at a ceremony in Colombo. 
The Love Sri Lanka Sustainability Programme is designed to support individual tourism businesses in their sustainability journey.
By promoting sustainable practices, the programme aims to help businesses reduce their environmental impact, improve the wellbeing of local communities and create a more resilient and sustainable economy.

The Tourism Alliance developed ‘Top 10 Sustainable Principles’ to encourage tourism businesses in their role in climate action, preservation of biodiversity, recycling, zero plastics, renewable energy solutions, inclusivity and diversity, industry collaboration, supply chain solutions, community development, preservation and celebration of culture and monitoring and evaluation. These principles were created in collaboration with leading local and international experts to provide local SME tourism businesses with short-term and long-term targets and solutions for their businesses, to help them become more sustainable.

The programme selected 20 Sustainable Champions passionate about making Sri Lanka’s tourism future a better one. These champions come from diverse backgrounds, including hoteliers, tour operators and restaurant owners. They are committed to implement the Top 10 Sustainable Principles in their businesses and to share their knowledge and expertise with others in the industry.

The 20 Champions are Amba Estate, Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle, Authenticities Sri Lanka, Ceylon Leisure, Cinnamon Hotels, DivinGuru, East & West, Flameback Eco lodge, Handun Villas, Hulimiroo (Pvt.) Ltd, Jetwing Kaduruketha, Jungle Beach Ahungalla, Heritance Kandalama, Karpaha Sands, Olalalanka (Pvt.) Ltd, Riviera Eastern Enterprises (Pvt.) Ltd, Srimal Plantation Villa, Uga – Ulagalla, Wild Coast Tented Lodge Yala and Wind resort Kalpitiya.

The Sustainable Champions Programme is one of many initiatives underway to promote sustainable tourism. With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and welcoming people, Sri Lanka has the potential to become a leading destination for sustainable tourism. By working together and sharing best practices, the tourism industry can help build a more sustainable future for all.