LNP – Sustainability Awards 2024 honours eco-friendly tourism practices

The 2024 Sustainability Awards, organised by the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) and funded by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF Sri Lanka), took place on 12 November 2024 at the Hilton Colombo Residences. 

This year’s event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and sustainability advocates to recognise and celebrate exceptional achievements in sustainable business practices within Sri Lanka’s tourism sector. 

With a focus on sustainable supply chains, the awards honoured companies committed to eco-friendly and socially responsible practices. The ceremony provided a platform for showcasing innovations in sustainability, empowering businesses to adopt practices that positively impact both people and the environment. 

The awards recognised excellence across two core areas in tourism: Tour Operator/Destination Management Company (DMC), and Hotel and Accommodation Service Provider. To promote inclusivity, subcategories were introduced to highlight the achievements of both large enterprises as well as small and medium enterprises (SMEs), enabling a broad representation of sustainable efforts across the industry. 

The winners were: 

• Tour Operator/Destination Management Company (DMC) – Large Enterprise: Aitken Spence Travels Ltd. 
• Tour Operator/Destination Management Company (DMC) – Small and Medium Sized Enterprise: DTH Travel Sri Lanka 
• Hotel and Accommodation Service Provider – Large Enterprise: Hilton Colombo 
• Hotel and Accommodation Service Provider – Small and Medium Sized Enterprise: Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort Ltd. 

The winners were selected by a distinguished panel of experts in sustainable tourism, with representatives from AHK Sri Lanka, FNF Sri Lanka, and sustainability leaders in the sector. Each awardee was honoured with a physical token and a certificate. 

AHK Sri Lanka Chief Delegate Marie Antonia von Schönburg, highlighted AHK Sri Lanka’s commitment to sustainability, stating, “Today’s awards exemplify the impactful role sustainable practices play in shaping a responsible tourism sector in Sri Lanka. We are immensely proud of each awardee, whose commitment to sustainability not only raises industry standards but also protects Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural heritage.” 

The Sustainability Awards 2024 serves as a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to create a more sustainable and responsible tourism industry. By spotlighting the initiatives of forward-thinking businesses, the event continues to inspire positive change across the sector, encouraging further collaboration and innovation in sustainable tourism practices. 

FNF Sri Lanka Head Wolfgang Heinze added, “These awards highlight the transformative power of sustainability in tourism. By recognising businesses that prioritise ethical and eco-friendly practices, we hope to inspire others in the industry to take bold steps toward a sustainable future.” 

The Sustainability Awards Ceremony 2024 was successfully concluded, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees and reinforcing the importance of sustainable practices in shaping the future of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.