Business
Sri Lanka Tourism partner UNDP Sri Lanka to take forward National Sustainable Destination Certification
Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Ministry of Tourism with the technical and financial assistance of UNDP in Sri Lanka has initiated the National Sustainable Destination Certification (NSDC) scheme to transform 9 chosen destinations in 9 provinces with the best sustainable practices as the 2nd phase of the National Sustainable Tourism Initiative.
Sustainability is a key driver to preserve and conserve the island’s outstanding natural and cultural heritage to safeguard the destination for its people and visitors. Realizing the value while observing the current importance given to sustainable tourism globally, in the year 2018 Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority entered into an MoU with UNDP Sri Lanka followed by the launch of the National Sustainable Tourism Certification (NSTC) Scheme in 2019 where 37 accommodation service providers were awarded for their best sustainable practices.
With international arrivals expected to rise globally again in the future, destinations will strive to enhance their tourism competitiveness. While tourism growth brings positive outcomes for countries, there could also be negative impacts due to unplanned tourism and tourist hot spots will feel the pressure of tourism again.
“Ministry of Tourism with its ambitious growth targets of tourists’ arrivals acknowledges that the tourism industry needs to continue in offering positive tourism experiences ensuring long term sustainability.
Sustainable best practices are the need of the hour today and we continue to do our part in transforming the tourism industry into a sustainable friendly one. I urge all the Ministries to join us in implementing sustainable best practices across the country” Mr. S. Hettiarachchi, Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism shared.
Sustainable Tourism is no longer an option, to remain competitive in the global arena we must adapt to the demands made by travellers. Sri Lanka is a small island vulnerable to climate change with its tourism product heavily dependent on natural resources, hence it is essential to develop the industry sustainably, said Ms. Kimarli Fernando, Chairperson, Sri Lanka Tourism.
Over the course of this year, Sri Lanka Tourism and UNDP Sri Lanka have conducted 8 provincial trainings with the participation of provincial council officials, regional authorities and community stakeholders, on transforming destinations by implementing the best sustainable tourism practices in their respective provinces and locality.
Commenting on the initiative, Ramitha Wijethunge, National Programme Officer, Climate and Environment Team at UNDP in Sri Lanka stated,
“UNDP has been a long-standing partner of the sustainability initiatives spearheaded by Sri Lanka Tourism. Since 2018, we have assisted the Sustainability Certification programme, an important pre-requisite for the industry to ensure Sri Lanka prioritizes sustainability. Working together, UNDP has assisted in the successful completion of the first round of accommodation certification programmes, and is further supporting the ongoing Sustainable Destination Certification scheme. UNDP stands committed with Sri Lanka Tourism in its long-term efforts to build a more resilient and sustainable tourism sector in the country.”
Under the National Sustainable Destination Certification (NSDC) scheme, priority is given to environmental conservation; starting from prevention of single-use plastics, waste management, crowd controlling and involvement of local communities who would reap these benefits in the long run, as tourism is an interdependent ecosystem.
The certification scheme will be implemented across 9 provinces and the selected destinations are as follows,
1. Northern Province – Delft Island Destination
2. North Central Province – Mihinthale Heritage Destination
3. North Western Province – Gangeewadiya Destination
4. Central Province – Sigiriya Destination
5. Uva Province – Ellawala Falls Destination
6. Western Province – Pilikuththuwa Destination
7. Eastern Province – Panama Community Village Destination
8. Sabaragamuwa Province – Wavulpane Lime Cave Destination
9. Southern Province – Maadungala/Walawa Destination
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
