Jetwing Hotels wins Global Responsible Tourism Award for climate action

Jetwing Hotels was recently recognised for its contribution to climate action at the recently concluded Global Responsible Tourism Awards 2024, sponsored by Sabre, held in London. 

The Global Responsible Tourism Awards has honoured six exceptional tourism operators across various categories. These winners, hailing from Africa, Latin America, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and the rest of the world, previously secured gold medals in their respective regional competitions. The 33 regional gold winners then advanced to the global stage, vying for recognition in the 20th anniversary year of the awards.

International Centre for Responsible Tourism Founder Harold Goodwin emphasised the importance of concrete action in sustainable tourism. 

“Too often, ‘sustainable’ is used abstractly. Responsible Tourism demands tangible actions to improve tourism and transparent reporting of achievements. Today’s award winners exemplify these principles, offering evidence-based, replicable, and innovative approaches that inspire and influence others,” he added.

Sabre’s Head of Sustainability Communications and Award Sponsor Tess Longfield, echoed this sentiment, expressing admiration for the finalists’ dedication to sustainable and equitable tourism “Their passion and commitment to creating a positive impact through travel is truly inspiring. It underscores the power of responsible tourism to make a real difference,” she added.

The judges in the climate action category sought organisations actively decarbonising tourism operations and pioneering innovative strategies for climate resilience and business continuity. Since introducing its first solar PV system in 2010, Jetwing Hotels has steadily expanded its renewable energy footprint, investing over $ 1 million in 2024 to increase capacity by 1.6 MW. In 2023 alone, Jetwing Hotels generated 1,069 MWh of clean energy, powering 13,490 households and offsetting 608 metric tons of CO2 emissions. The ongoing expansion, currently 90% complete, will further bolster solar PV capacity, tripling its contribution to 24% of total electricity consumption. Beyond solar power, Jetwing Hotels has adopted a holistic approach, incorporating biomass boilers, steam-powered chillers, solar thermal systems, and biogas digesters to achieve over 60% of its energy demand from renewable sources. These efforts further align with Sri Lanka’s renewable energy goals and demonstrate Jetwing Hotels’ dedication to a sustainable future. 

Jetwing Hotels Managing Director Dmitri Cooray, accepted the award in London, stating, “By advancing energy independence and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility among our staff and guests, we ensure our business practices are both environmentally sound and economically sustainable. Our success demonstrates that even small steps can create a significant impact, inspiring others to take action.” 

With a legacy spanning over half a century in the tourism industry, Jetwing Hotels has established itself as a pioneer in curating unique experiences and offering legendary Sri Lankan hospitality. As a family-owned brand, Jetwing continues to be a leading advocate for sustainability and responsible tourism, guided by a comprehensive strategy focused on community upliftment, climate action, environment conservation, and resource efficiency. The brand’s diverse portfolio includes a range of luxury hotels and villas, each offering a unique perspective on Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.