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Sustainable Tourism Initiative phase 2 begins 

30 Jul 2021

  • SL Tourism, UNDP takes forward Sustainable Destination Certification 
  • Certification to be implemented across nine provinces 
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 nine chosen destinations in nine provinces with the best sustainable practices as the second 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. Realising 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 Secretary S. Hettiarachchi stated: “The 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.”  “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,” noted Chairperson – Sri Lanka Tourism Kimarli Fernando.  Over the course of this year, Sri Lanka Tourism and UNDP Sri Lanka have conducted eight 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, UNDP in Sri Lanka National Programme Officer – Climate and Environment Team Ramitha Wijethunge 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 prerequisite for the industry to ensure Sri Lanka prioritises 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 nine provinces and the selected destinations are as follows: 
  1. Northern Province – Delft Island Destination 
  2. North Central Province – Mihintale Heritage Destination 
  3. North Western Province – Gange Wadiya 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 – Waulpane Lime Cave Destination  
  9. Southern Province – Maadungala/Walawa Destination 


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