EU-SWITCH Asia Project brings recognition to Sri Lanka Tourism

EU-SWITCH Asia Greening Sri Lanka Hotels Project was adjudged the winner in the category of Educational Programs & Media at the 11th Skål International ‘Sustainable Development in Tourism’ Awards, presented during the Opening Ceremony of the 73rd Skål World Congress on 3 October 2012 at Incheon, South Korea.

The award recognised the outstanding training, leadership and commitment to sustainable tourism principles and practices delivered through project activities since its inception in April 2010.

The judging criteria were based on globally recognised sustainable tourism standards which reflected the core principles of sustainable tourism: environmentally sensitive operations, support for the protection of cultural and natural heritage, and direct and tangible economic and social benefits to local people, educational features and innovation. In addition, a successful business model and financial viability was also considered.

Skål, founded in 1934, is the largest organisation of travel and tourism professionals in the world. To encourage the conservation of the environment and help to promote the development of responsible and sustainable tourism, Skål International initiated an awards program in 2002, during “The Year of Ecotourism and the Mountains” as declared by the United Nations.