Aitken Spence Travels, Sri Lanka’s leading DMC, commemorated World Tourism Day, under the timely theme of “Rethinking Tourism for Inclusivity and Sustainability”. A series of engagement initiatives were conducted with the support and participation of the entire team, centring on the three pillars of Community, People and Planet from the 27th to the 29th of September 2022.  

Celebrations commenced with the launch of a unique exhibition, named ‘Brightening Communities’ which aimed to showcase the skills and capabilities of the Company’s suppliers including emerging entrepreneurs within the community. The initiative served as a platform for accessing new markets and sharing product knowledge. Some of the featured suppliers included Agro Village, Thotupola Residence, Angampora STIMA, Colombo City Walks, Foundation of Goodness, Sensory Indulgence, Nature Treks & Expeditions – Knuckles, Saraii Village, Gangabada Asiriya and Sri Lankan Traditional Masks & Dance – Tukkawadu Generation. The program included a village tour, showcasing the authentic Sri Lankan village experience and a nature trail along the knuckles mountain range. As the Company gears itself for the anticipated revival of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, it is keen to partner with its valuable suppliers in offering them sustainable and inclusive opportunities for growth.

The Company also launched a program to recognize and develop its dedicated chauffeur guides on day two. The interactive training program named “Steering the Steerers” was held with the participation of 35 chauffeur guides and focused on raising sustainable tourism practices and included an interactive Q&A session with the Company’s MD, COO and GM-Transport.

In line with the Company’s commitment towards preserving biodiversity, Aitken Spence Travels continued its “Conserving Gentle Giants” initiative, by adopting its second baby elephant. This follows the successful completion of term with ‘Bhanu’, the first baby elephant who will be released to its natural habitat shortly. The Company has also launched a program to conserve turtles in Rekawa by protecting turtle eggs and vulnerable hatchlings through a netting program.

“The Tourism Sector can play a vital role in promoting sustainable and inclusive development” stated Managing Director of Aitken Spence Travels, Mr. Nalin Jayasundera. “As Sri Lanka’s leading DMC, we are committed to embracing triple bottom line initiatives which contribute towards economic prosperity while empowering the communities and enriching the environments in which we operate”