The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Sri Lanka, recently recognized 100 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for their sustainable practices under the National Sustainable Tourism Certification (NSTC) scheme. Among the awardees, Thema Collection received five prestigious Good Travel Seal awards, further cementing its reputation as a leader in sustainable hospitality.
The recognition included a Good Travel Seal Level 1 Bronze for Waraka Udawalawe, as well as Good Travel Seal Level 1 certifications for Parangi Weligama Bay, Scottish Planter Bungalow, Vis Ta Vie, and Tea & Experience Factory. These honors reflect Thema’s ongoing efforts to integrate environmental stewardship, community empowerment, and economic responsibility into its operations.
The NSTC scheme, introduced with the support of Green Destinations and the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN), was established to promote a more sustainable tourism sector in Sri Lanka by setting clear standards for responsible practices. This initiative, which awarded over 100 SMEs this year, reinforces the importance of sustainability as an essential driver of the country’s tourism development.
For Thema Collection, sustainability has always been ingrained in its concept. It is a philosophy that shapes our guest experiences and business decisions alike, guiding everything from the way we source food and employ staff to how we protect the environment and preserve cultural heritage. Across our properties, we continue to reduce our environmental footprint, minimise waste, and prioritise renewable practices such as sourcing food locally, cultivating fresh produce from on-site gardens, and reducing reliance on non-renewable resources. Equally important is the group’s focus on community empowerment, with many of its properties employing from surrounding villages and partnering with local farmers and suppliers to ensure that the benefits of tourism are shared broadly.
The awarded properties each reflect this commitment in their own way: Parangi Weligama Bay with its coastal charm, Scottish Planter Bungalow with its heritage setting in the hills, Vis Ta Vie with its coziness by the beach, Tea & Experience Factory with its farm-to-table culture, and Waraka Udawalawe with its focus on wildlife and nature.
This achievement is not only a proud moment for Thema Collection but also a reminder of the growing importance of responsible tourism in safeguarding the island’s natural and cultural wealth. By aligning with global sustainability standards and working hand in hand with communities, Thema Collection continues to set benchmarks for the industry while offering travellers meaningful and authentic experiences.
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