Sri Lanka Tourism has earned the prestigious Green Destination Bronze Award at ITB Berlin 2025, the world’s largest tourism trade fair.
The award was presented in recognition of the country’s commitment to sustainable environmental practices in and around the Sigiriya rock fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s revered tourist attractions.
One of 15 destinations worldwide to achieve green status for 2025, the fortress is celebrated as a model for eco-friendly tourism with the ability to draw large numbers of local and international tourists.
The award acknowledges efforts in nature and monument protection, waste management, energy efficiency, protection of local flora and fauna, and climate adaptation, with a focus on enhancing the destination’s appeal to future visitors.
Participating destinations underwent a rigorous evaluation process that involved meeting 97 sustainability criteria, followed by an independent on-site audit.
The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) played a crucial role in this endeavour with support from various stakeholders such as the Central Cultural Fund (CCF), Forest Department, Department of Archaeology, Asian Development Bank (ADB), UNDP and divisional secretariats.
As Sri Lanka continues to enhance its tourism offering, this honour encourages travellers to explore the island’s diverse attractions with responsible tourism practices and a focus on sustainability.
