Certification to be implemented across nine provincesSri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Ministry of Tourism with the technical and financial assistance of UNDP in Sri Lanka has initiated the National Sustainable Destination Certification (NSDC) scheme to transform nine chosen destinations in nine provinces with the best sustainable practices as the second phase of the National Sustainable Tourism Initiative. Realising the value while observing the current importance given to sustainable tourism globally, in the year 2018 Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority entered into an MoU with UNDP Sri Lanka followed by the launch of the National Sustainable Tourism Certification (NSTC) Scheme in 2019 where 37 accommodation service providers were awarded for their best sustainable practices. Sri Lanka is a small island vulnerable to climate change with its tourism product heavily dependent on natural resources, hence it is essential to develop the industry sustainably,” noted Chairperson – Sri Lanka Tourism Kimarli Fernando. Over the course of this year, Sri Lanka Tourism and UNDP Sri Lanka have conducted eight provincial trainings with the participation of provincial council officials, regional authorities and community stakeholders, on transforming destinations by implementing the best sustainable tourism practices in their respective provinces and locality. Commenting on the initiative, UNDP in Sri Lanka National Programme Officer – Climate and Environment Team Ramitha Wijethunge stated: “UNDP has been a long-standing partner of the sustainability initiatives spearheaded by Sri Lanka Tourism.

Source: The Nation July 29, 2021 18:56 UTC