SLTDA and UNDP signed an agreement to establishNational Sustainable Tourism Certification Scheme NSTCS for Sri Lanka Tourism. Under this agreement UNDP is providing technical and
financial assistance to the SLTDA to design and implement a pilot
project for sustainable tourism certification.
The main reason for the Project to
have started is to put into action the Sri Lanka Tourism Strategic Plan
TSP 2017-2020. In the TSP, sustainability occupies an important place.
Sustainable tourism in all aspects of tourism development and a national
sustainable tourism certification scheme has been identified as a
crucial element, placing emphasis on the development of the country’s
tourism industry.
With international arrivals expected to rise globally,
destinations strive to enhance their tourism competitiveness. While
tourism growth brings positive outcomes for countries, there could also
be negative impacts, unplanned tourism could lead to problems. Against
this background, Sri Lanka government too with its ambitious growth
targets of tourists arrivals, acknowledges that the tourism industry
need to continue in offering positive tourism experiences ensuring the
long term sustainability. It’s not a secret that some tourism hot spots
are already feeling the pressure of tourism.
This project was designed
considering the current importance given to sustainable tourism
globally, and to successfully compete as a highly demanded destination.
Therefore, the global context was considered in designing the project so
that NSTCS will be relevant not only to Sri Lanka but also
internationally.
Sri Lanka Tourism reached the No. 1 ranking as Top
Destinations to visit in 2019 by the Lonely Planet, followed by Sri
Lankan cuisine ranking to No. 1 in BBC Good Food 15 food trends for
2019. Research of more than 1.3 million social media posts found the
Asian city location travellers most want to take a pictures of- Colombo
ranked No. 1. These are very valuable recognitions that any destination
would aspire to achieve. What this means to Sri Lanka is, it will
experience a rapid influx of tourists to the Island. This is all the
more reason why Sri Lanka should treat sustainability as an urgent
intervention without delay. NSTCS will lead Sri Lanka Tourism in the
right direction.
Given the vast and complex nature of all tourism
service providers, this project scope considers the accommodation sector
in the first phase. Already the first batch of hotels have applied for
certification and their impressive sustainable practices will be
recognized through this scheme.
Minister of Tourism Development Wildlife and Christian Affairs, Hon. John Amaratunga explains that 'Sustainable
development is the foundation for developing Sri Lanka as a tourism
destination. Our strategic plan identifies the need and the importance
of growing the industry in a sustainable manner. We have already
embarked on a valuable journey to retain Sri Lanka as a No 1 Destination
in the World' He further stated that 'UNDP’s technical assistance in
sustainable tourism is very relevant and timely to our country.'
Mr.Kishu Gomes, Chairman STDA remarked that 'Sri Lanka Tourism has
optimistic goals to be achieved in the next 3 to 5 years, these
deliverables can only be ensured if we grow the industry in a
sustainable manner where product and service quality is maintained on
par with the best of the world. Then we will have satisfied repeat
tourists and they will bring more tourism to the country through word of
mouth publicity.'
The Resident Representative of UNDP Sri Lanka, Jorn Sorensen stated 'The Adoption of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable
Development Goals presents us a huge opportunity to put Sri Lanka on a
more prosperous and sustainable development path. This is why UNDP is
pleased to partner with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority to
make the tourism industry more sustainable in the long run and ensure
its benefits are more widely shared.'
The project involves a partnership of SLTDA, BIOFIN and UNDP. is a UNDP managed global collaboration to develop and implement an evidence-based methodology that improves
biodiversity outcomes using finance and economics.
SLTDA is the government authority tasked with planning, development, regulation, and
policy implementation of tourism and related industries.
Signed Agreement was exchanged by the Chairman Sri Lanka Tourism Development
Authority, Mr. Kishu Gomes and UNDP Ms. Tharuka Dissanaike, Policy and
Design Specialist UNDP in the presence of the Hon John Amaratunga,
Minister of Tourism Development Wildlife and Christian Affairs, and
Director General SLTDA, Mr. Upali Ratnayake.