In an effort to promote sustainable tourism in Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) and Travelife, an internationally recognised sustainability certification programme for the tourism industry, entered into a partnership to bring best practices into the local sector.

The tourism industry thrives on the natural environment, wildlife, and culture, which Sri Lanka has in abundance. To maintain these treasures, sustainability should be at the core of every tourism venture, SLAITO shared in an announcement yesterday.

“This means that tour operators should operate their business in an economically-sound, socially-acceptable, and environmentally-friendly way. Companies working towards sustainability score better on customer satisfaction, staff motivation, and business efficiency with positive effects on their competitive advantage,” said SLAITO.

Travelife, which engages tourism enterprises in training, management, and certification for tour companies committed to reaching sustainability, will assist SLAITO member Destination Management Companies (DMCs) in attaining sustainability in their business. 

“Now that the international tourism industry begins to return, it gives Sri Lankan Tour Operators the chance to be ready to meet potential customers with a fresh and sustainable image,” said Aline van der Meulen, Project Manager of Travelife in Sri Lanka.

Companies that seek to be recognised and affiliated with Travelife will go through three stages: engagement, partner level, and certification. 

Through the partnership with Travelife, DMCs will aim at minimising their impact on the environment, support local communities, and ensure the well-being of their employees. 

To obtain Travelife certification, DMCs, and individual businesses must demonstrate their commitment to sustainability by meeting a set of rigorous criteria. These include reducing their energy and water consumption, supporting local communities, and implementing sustainable supply chain practices.

It is a body comprising companies such as Amazon, Apple, Booking.com, Expedia Group, Google, GoTo, Grab, LINE, LinkedIn, Meta, Rakuten, X and Yahoo.