Redefining Responsible Travel Through Sustainability and Low-Impact Practices
On October 24, 2024, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka hosted another successful session of Thema Talks – season II, spotlighting the theme “Creating Low-Impact Travel Experiences for the Eco-Conscious Traveler.” It was held in collaboration with the Department of Tourism Management at the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka and four Destination Management Companies in Sri Lanka, Connaissance De Ceylan, Walkers Tours, H.O.T. Tourism, and Eco Team (Pvt) Ltd. It brought together four leading experts from destination management companies across Sri Lanka to explore the concept of low-impact tourism, how businesses implement it in their own contexts, and the expectations of eco-conscious travelers. The session also aimed to align these ideas with the national goals for Sri Lankan tourism, fostering a fruitful discussion, rich with perspectives and practical insights.
Dr. Sarath Munasinghe, a senior lecturer at the university, set the stage as moderator, outlining the goals of the discussion. Each panelist offered unique insights on creating meaningful, low-impact experiences tailored to eco-conscious travelers, providing valuable perspectives on sustainability in the tourism industry.
Among them, Mr. Anuruddha Bandara, founder and CEO of Eco Team (Pvt) Ltd, emphasized the fundamental role of sustainability in tourism. “There shouldn’t be any form of tourism classified as non-sustainable tourism. Technically, all tourism should be sustainable tourism. We strive to create low-impact, unique experiences—even in small ways—through all the tourism operations we are involved in. It’s challenging but achievable. If you’re looking for something new, design it your way—with passion and grit,” he stated. His words highlighted the importance of intentionality and innovation in designing environmentally responsible tourism.
Mr. Maxime Wickramasinghe, Director of Marketing and Business Development at Connaissance de Ceylan added a cultural perspective, stating, “People come to experience the essence of Sri Lanka. Our culture, heritage, cuisine, nature, and especially our people. It’s so important to understand and showcase what makes us unique, rather than trying to become like other countries. Low-impact tourism isn’t just about minimizing our footprint, it’s about making a positive impact.” This view underscored the balance between environmental consciousness and cultural authenticity.
Offering an operational viewpoint, Mr. Nalaka Amaratunga Chief Executive Officer of the Destination Management Sector at John Keells Group addressed sustainability in mainstream tourism, saying, “Mainstream tourism can survive and still be low-impact by focusing on sustainable practices within its core operations, like maintaining carbon neutrality in transportation.” By integrating sustainable practices, Mr. Amaratunga illustrated that low-impact tourism can also be achieved within large-scale tourism operations.
Mr. Tony Maheswaran Director of Strategic Planning at H.O.T. Tourism discussed the broader industry context, stating, “Sri Lanka’s tourism stands at a critical juncture; do we want volume or value? Sometimes we can’t have both, and choices will vary across different segments. With so much diversity in the destination, defining our place on the global tourism map needs to be designed to suit different market segments. Moving forward we must focus on highlights of the destination, prioritize low-impact tourism, and avoid harmful practices for true sustainability”. His remarks highlighted the need for a thoughtful approach to Sri Lanka’s tourism strategy, emphasizing the balance between growth and environmental and cultural preservation.
The event was concluded by Dr. Munasinghe with a thoughtful summary, saying, “From what you’ve shared, I think we can conclude that low-impact tourism is a broad concept that applies to all types of tourism. It’s not just about reducing impact but also about enhancing the positives, adding value, and following ethical guidelines.” His moderation helped synthesize insights from each speaker, making the session both enlightening and practical.
Thema Talks was held alongside the TiP Talks event which marked the launch of the seventh edition of Tourism in Paradise (TiP), the annual magazine by the Department of Tourism Management. Through a range of perspectives and real-world experiences, the session drew attention to the importance of creating low-impact, authentic travel experiences, showing how Sri Lanka can stand out by preserving its unique identity and natural beauty.
