USAID Promotes Sustainable Tourism in Sri Lanka to Boost Local Livelihoods, Protect the Environment, and Build Resilience
Tourism bounced back strongly this year, nearing pre-pandemic levels, but with a shift in the way people are traveling. Increasingly, consumers are seeking sustainable travel and demanding that the industry conduct their operations ethically, prioritize sustainably, and have a positive impact on the environment, society, and culture.
Rich in natural and cultural resources, Sri Lanka is well-poised to capitalize on the growth of sustainable tourism. Already, the country draws millions of visitors every year. Implementing sustainability practices across the industry can help Sri Lanka attract much-needed investment and recognition. Tourism is Sri Lanka’s third largest source of foreign exchange and will play a key role in helping the country to rebuild its economy in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent economic crisis.
The Sri Lanka Tourism Alliance (SLTA), which works to promote a sustainable, long-term value for Sri Lanka and preserve the island’s rich cultural heritage, introduced the “Love Sri Lanka Sustainability Project” in 2019. The campaign is designed to revitalize and transform the tourism sector to be both resilient and sustainable. The program promotes responsible tourism, the development of crisis response plans, and resilience action plans to support SLTA’s 1700+ members.
In 2021, the USAID CATALYZE Sri Lanka Private Sector Development Activity supported SLTA to strengthen its member services through the creation of a sustainability toolkit and improved training of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the tourism sector. USAID CATALYZE’s funding also enabled SLTA to roll-out a Sustainability Champions awards program to recognize sustainably operated SMEs in the tourism sector. SLTA, in collaboration with top local and international sustainability experts, developed sustainability principles for SMEs to adopt to become Champions:
- Climate action
- Biodiversity conservation
- Recycling and zero-waste
- Renewable energy solutions
- Industry collaboration
- Community development
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Preserving and celebrating culture
- Sustainable supply chain management
Sustainability Champion applicants were required to implement at least three of these principles. This campaign inspired more of SLTA’s 1,700+ members to adopt or enhance their sustainability principles and increase sustainable impact. Members were supported in developing short- and long-term goals to help them improve their operations and have a positive impact on the environment and the local community.
The 20 Sustainability Champions chosen for this year received a Sustainability Badge and digital channel publicity, which bolstered their reputations as sustainability-focused businesses and facilitated additional marketing opportunities to help attract more environmentally-conscious customers.
Sustainability Champion, Karpaha Sands, a luxury glamping boutique resort, prioritized community development through the program, hiring local villagers to assist with beach cleanups, and sourcing its food and other amenities from neighboring villages. These initiatives facilitated a shorter cycle in the supply chain and lowered transportation-related emissions. Karpaha Sands also committed to developing a zero-waste policy, a rain and grey water recycling system, a salt chlorinator to reduce chemical use, and switching to solar power grids to ensure the long-term sustainability of the hotel site by 2024.
USAID CATALYZE Sri Lanka Private Sector Development Activity’s support to SLTA not only encourages small tourism companies to incorporate sustainability practices into their daily operations but enhances the country’s image as a sustainable tourism destination. This support will help the tourism sector rebuild as the nation moves forward from the impacts of COVID-19.
