Sigiriya awarded Green Destination Status at Itb Berlin

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka has been named a Green Destination at the world’s biggest tourism fair – ITB Berlin. The nation won the Bronze Green Destination Certificate for ‘Sigiriya’, receiving a prestigious opportunity to boost tourism around the world said Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman Sri Lanka Tourism. He noted that the award offers an opportunity to increase tourism globally particularly highlighting Sigiriya and he aimed to reach at least 200,000 German arrivals for this year (2025), positioning Germany among top tourism source markets. Germany remains one of Sri Lanka’s leading inbound markets. Sri Lanka Increased charter flights and strategic marketing investments and set to bolster this growth. “With a strong presence at ITB Berlin 2025, Sri Lanka continues to reinforce its status as a top-tier destination, offering an unparalleled blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, adventure, and sustainability-driven travel experiences” said Hewawasam.

Sigiriya was recognized for sustainability, conservation & climate action made possible with a cumulative effort jointly with the community and tourism officials said Upali Ratnayake, Head of Sustainable Tourism / Deputy Director General Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. He said the recognition was a result of work, creating sustainable tourism content.

Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Germany, Varuni Muthukumarana highlighted the renewed interest in Germany as a key source market for Sri Lanka, emphasizing the country’s potential in wellness tourism. Ayurveda and traditional healing practices, including ‘Hela Wedakama’ as one of the oldest indigenous wellness treatments in the world continue to attract European travelers seeking authentic and holistic experiences.

Dushan Wickramasuriya, Marketing Director of Sri Lanka Tourism noted that Sri Lanka’s tourism is aggressively ploaning to transform from conventional tourism to eco-tourism where hospitality portfolio need to take a step forward in Green Tourism.

Sri Lanka received the certificate from ‘Green Destinations’ a nonprofit organisation cooperating with 200 destinations in over 80 countries around the world. The Green Destinations Certification program awards excellence in sustainability based general destinations on the GSTC-Recognised Green Standards covering 75 criteria, all realms of sustainability. 15 destinations including Sri Lanka have achieved the green status destinations for 2025 at a Ceremony held at the ITB Berlin 2025 with a worldwide gathering of decision makers of the tourism industry.

By Claude Gunasekera