Sigiriya winning Green Destination Bronze Award at ITB gives boost to tourism

Sri Lanka Tourism Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam (second from right) and staff with Green Destination Bronze Award at ITB in Berlin

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka has been named a Sustainable Destination at the world’s biggest tourism fair – ITB Berlin. 

The nation won the Bronze Certificate for ‘Sigiriya’, by Green Destinations International, world’s largest community of destinations committed to sustainability, supported by more than 50 program partners around the world. 

“This award is a prestigious opportunity to boost tourism around the world,” said Sri Lanka Tourism Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam.

Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Deputy Minister Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe congratulated Sri Lanka Tourism, for receiving the award. “I am immensely thrilled and honoured to share the joyous news of the recognition given for Sigiriya at the recently held ITB travel fair held in Berlin. The Green Destinations Bronze Award bestowed upon Sigiriya is a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainable tourism. Recognised globally, Sigiriya is not just a rock but a UNESCO World Heritage site, celebrated for its rich cultural and archaeological value. The surrounding jungles and the presence of wild elephants make it one of Sri Lanka’s most famous tourist destinations. This prestigious accolade highlights the dedication of our people and opens up vast opportunities to further develop our country and enhance our reputation among travellers worldwide. It is through such recognition that we can build greater awareness of the beauty, history, and sustainable practices that Sri Lanka has to offer. As we celebrate this proud moment, we reaffirm our dedication to promoting responsible and eco-friendly travel. Let us continue to work together to preserve and protect our natural and cultural heritage, ensuring a brighter and greener future for Sri Lanka”.

Sri Lanka Tourism Chairman noted that the award offers an opportunity to increase tourism globally particularly highlighting Sigiriya and he aimed to reach at least 200,000 German arrivals for this year (2025), positioning Germany among top tourism source markets. Germany remains one of Sri Lanka’s leading inbound markets. Sri Lanka Increased charter flights and strategic marketing investments and set to bolster this growth. “With a strong presence at ITB Berlin 2025, Sri Lanka continues to reinforce its status as a top-tier destination, offering an unparalleled blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, adventure, and sustainability-driven travel experiences,” said Buddhika Hewawasam.

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Deputy Director General and Head of Sustainable Tourism Upali Ratnayake said Sigiriya was recognised for sustainability, conservation and climate action made possible with a cumulative effort jointly with the community and tourism officials. He said the recognition was a result of work, creating sustainable tourism content. Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Germany, Varuni Muthukumarana highlighted the renewed interest in Germany as a key source market for Sri Lanka, emphasising the country’s potential in wellness tourism. Ayurveda and traditional healing practices, including ‘Hela Wedakama’ as one of the oldest indigenous wellness treatments in the world continue to attract European travellers seeking authentic and holistic experiences.

Sri Lanka Tourism Marketing Director Dushan Wickramasuriya noted that Sri Lanka’s tourism is aggressively planning to transform from conventional tourism to ecotourism where the hospitality portfolio needs to take a step forward in Green Tourism.

Sri Lanka received the certificate from ‘Green Destinations’ a non-profit organisation cooperating with 200 destinations in over 80 countries around the world. The Green Destinations Certification program awards excellence in sustainability based general destinations on the GSTC-Recognised Green Standards covering 75 criterions, all realms of sustainability. 15 destinations including Sri Lanka have achieved the green status destinations for 2025 at a ceremony held at the ITB Berlin 2025 with a worldwide gathering of decision makers of the tourism industry.