Sustainability at Wild Glamping Gal Oya

On 21st August, Australia’s Market Development Facility (MDF) and Thema Collection brought together government, industry and development partners for a dialogue on Sustainability and Wellness Tourism: Positioning Sri Lanka for the Future.

The session explored how Sri Lanka can build on its rich Ayurvedic heritage, natural assets and unique cultural experiences to tap into the growing global wellness tourism market.

The keynote address by Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe, Deputy Minister of Tourism, highlighted the Government’s vision for strengthening wellness tourism as part of Sri Lanka’s tourism offering. Deputy High Commissioner Ruth Baird shared Australia’s perspective, highlighting the role of private sector innovation and new markets in strengthening Sri Lanka’s tourism competitiveness.

The programme also brought together perspectives on sustainability in practice, the case for wellness tourism and policy, leading into a panel discussion on “Unlocking Wellness Tourism Opportunities in Sri Lanka”, followed by an open-floor Q&A and networking.

A valuable afternoon of ideas, perspectives and conversations on where wellness and sustainability can take Sri Lankan tourism.

#wellnesstourism #srilankatourism #sustainabletourism #tourismindustry #themacollection mdf ayurveda mindfulness

There’s something special about having fresh vegetables on your plate, knowing they were picked just moments ago from the farm. 🌱

At Tea and Experience Factory by Thema Collection, enjoy fresh, organic vegetables grown in the cool, misty climate of Mandaramnuwara. And if you’re up for a little journey through the farm, join our team and experience where it all begins.

#teaandexperiencefactory #mandaramnuwara #farmtotable #organicfarming #themacollection

The 6th session of Thema Talks Season 2, “De-Seasonalising Sri Lanka: Spreading Demand without Spreading Damage,” brought together voices from across the tourism industry and academia to explore how Sri Lanka can make better use of its year-round tourism potential.

A heartfelt thank you to all the speakers who made this session meaningful:

Professor Iraj Ratnayake, Professor in Tourism at Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka
Daham Rajasekara, Director / General Manager at Connaissance De Ceylan
Mizra Dane, Manager – Business Development at Exemplary Voyages
Chathura Gamage, Senior Ranger Specialist at Hilton Yala Resort
Ramitha Pathirana, Lecturer/ Head of the Department of Tourism Management at SLTC – Sri Lanka Technology Campus
Sithumi Dananjala Devindi, Senior Naturalist at Amba Yaalu – Kandalama

Umayangana Alawatte, Lecturer – Centre for Communication Skills Development at SLTC – Sri Lanka Technology Campus, for moderating the conversation.

And a special thank you to SLTC – Sri Lanka Technology Campus for collaborating with us on this session, and to everyone who joined and contributed to the discussion.

The conversation doesn`t end here. Thema Talks will be back soon with another informative session and another topic worth talking about. Until then, let`s keep the conversation going.

#thematalks #themacollection #deseasonalisation #sustainabletourism #responsibletourism

Thema Collection brings together 17 unique properties across Sri Lanka, each surrounded by its own diverse ecosystem and incredible birdlife. Whether you`re staying on the East Coast, South Coast, in the hills, or somewhere in between, chances are you`ll be waking up to the cheerful sounds of birds every morning.

And if you`re curious to learn more about the birds around you, our naturalists are always happy to join you for a walk and share their knowledge along the way.

#themacollection #birdwatching #naturetravel #ecotourism #wildlifeinsrilanka

Once known as the Kabaragalla Tea Factory, Tea & Experience Factory holds a beautiful little piece of Sri Lanka’s tea story. Back in 1883, at the very first tea auction, it was only Kabaragalla tea that was sold. Today, the factory has been transformed into a hotel, but its story still lives on right here at the property, in the old spaces, the tea-making legacy, and the charm that still lingers within its walls.

#teaandexperiencefactory #kabaragalla #ceylontea #teahistory #themacollection

Have you ever wondered why hundreds of wild elephants gather at Minneriya every year? 🐘🌿

It all begins with the dry season.

From July to September, the waters of the ancient Minneriya Tank gradually start to dry up, revealing fresh green grass that elephants love to feed on. One by one, herds emerge from the surrounding forests until the grasslands are home to one of the largest gatherings of wild Asian elephants anywhere in the world.

It`s not a migration, it`s nature following a rhythm that has existed for centuries.

Experience this unforgettable moment with our naturalists at Aliya Resort & Spa by Thema Collection. Go beyond the safari as they share the fascinating stories, behaviours, and conservation significance behind the Elephant Gathering, making your journey through Minneriya National Park even more meaningful.

#aliyaresortandspa #themacollection #minneriyanationalpark #elephantgathering #wildlifesrilanka