December 2018 – Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority has joined the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) as a national member.
Tourism Sri Lanka is a ‘Story of Untapped Potential’. Just been voted as the no. 1 destination in the world by Lonely Planet, the island is seeing a rapid demand growth from visitors and investors alike. Maintaining Sri Lanka’s brand reputation providing authentic, memorable and safe visitor experiences are vital to the future growth of the industry. In this connection, the emphasis given to sustainable tourism is clear in all aspects of tourism development and regulation by the government of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority is adopting the GSTC Criteria and its indicators to create a National Sustainable Tourism Certification Scheme.
Minister of Tourism Development Wildlife and Christian Affairs, Hon. John Amaratunga
“Sustainable development is the foundation for developing Sri Lanka as a tourism destination,” says the Minister of Tourism Development Wildlife and Christian Affairs, Hon. John Amaratunga. “Our strategic plan identifies the need and the importance of growing the industry in a sustainable manner. Entering a partnership with the GSTC will help us a great deal. We have already embarked on a valuable journey to retain Sri Lanka as a No 1 Destination in the World. Sri Lanka National Sustainable Tourism Certification Scheme is launched to certify tourism establishments in Sri Lanka.”
“We look forward to a long term partnership with GSTC on this journey,» the Minister adds.
“We are very pleased to welcome the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority to GSTC,” says Mihee Kang, GSTC Director Asia-Pacific. “We applaud their application of sustainability standard for hotels to encourage hotels to make practical changes.”
GSTC encourages destinations pursuing sustainability practices in development and management of tourism, to join as GSTC members and apply the GSTC Destination Criteria, which eventually can lead to being certified by a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body.
