Sri Lanka has once again earned global recognition for its commitment to sustainable travel, with three local tourism initiatives honoured at the Global Responsible Tourism Awards 2025 held in London on November 3. The prestigious event, organised by the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT) alongside the World Travel Market, celebrated 30 organisations worldwide that exemplify excellence in responsible tourism practices.
All awardees had previously won Gold in their respective regional competitions held across Latin America, Africa, Europe, the Indian Subcontinent, and Southeast Asia, before advancing to the global stage.
Professor Harold Goodwin, Founder Emeritus of ICRT and Chair of the Judging Panel, said the awards highlight the importance of accountability and transparency in sustainable tourism. “Responsible tourism is about making better places for people to live in and visit,” he said. “It is essential that organisations support their impact statements with verifiable facts. Our sector still suffers from exaggerated claims, but we hope stronger regulations will curb this. All winners demonstrated clear accountability what they took responsibility for, what actions they implemented, and what impact was achieved.”
ICRT Global Chair Debbie Hindle noted that the awards are “free to enter but hard to win,” applauding the 2025 winners for their innovation and leadership. She also announced the commencement of nominations for the 2026 Global Responsible Tourism Awards, inviting changemakers worldwide to apply.
From Sri Lanka, Heritance Kandalama Hotel, Jetwing Vil Uyana, and the Heel Oya Community-Based Tourism (CBT) Village were recognised for their pioneering sustainability models.
Heritance Kandalama
Heritance Kandalama, the iconic Geoffrey Bawa-designed eco-hotel, received the Silver Award for Climate Adaptation and Resilience for its regenerative tourism model. The property’s long-term strategies to reduce environmental impact, enhance biodiversity, and engage with local communities were key factors in its success.
Jetwing Vil Uyana
Jetwing Vil Uyana was named a Finalist in the Nature Positive category, acknowledged for transforming degraded land into a thriving wetland ecosystem that now hosts over 300 species. Judges described it as a leading example of ecosystem regeneration and environmental education in the tourism industry.
Heel Oya CBT Village
Meanwhile, the Heel Oya CBT Village received Finalist recognition in the All-Inclusive Tourism category for empowering local communities through authentic travel experiences. The village integrates local agriculture, food traditions, trekking, and homestays, offering visitors an immersive cultural experience rooted in sustainability and inclusion.
Charmarie Maelge, Managing Director of ICRT Sri Lanka, described the achievement as a milestone for the nation’s tourism sector. “This is the 20th year of the Global Responsible Tourism Awards, and it’s a proud moment for Sri Lanka to have three winners. Their success highlights the country’s growing commitment to sustainable tourism and enhances our global reputation as a responsible and inclusive travel destination.”
With these recognitions, Sri Lanka continues to strengthen its standing as a global leader in responsible tourism, setting benchmarks for others in the region to follow.
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