Putting Tourism on a Sustainable Path
Sustainable tourism is a major challenge—one that requires industry-wide leadership, strong partnerships and a long-term commitment. At Studio de Ceylon, we are dedicated to operating responsibly, minimizing our impact and supporting both our local community and the broader environment.
We have successfully implemented a Sustainability Management System based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) criteria and are well on our way to achieving Travelife Certification, a leading international sustainability accreditation.
As travellers, we all have a responsibility to reduce our environmental footprint and support the communities we visit. Beyond travel, we also believe in championing positive change in our daily lives. To help you explore and experience Sri Lanka in the most sustainable way possible, we’ve put together a set of Responsible Travel Tips—small but meaningful actions that make a big difference.
If you have any questions or suggestions regarding our Sustainability Policy and ongoing efforts, please contact us :
Responsible
Travel Tips
At Studio de Ceylon, we believe that responsible travel is about making mindful choices that benefit local communities, protect the environment and preserve cultural heritage. Here are some ways you can contribute to sustainable tourism in Sri Lanka:
- Learn a few basic Sinhala or Tamil phrases to connect with locals.
- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and remove footwear when required.
- Always ask for permission before taking photos of people.
- Choose locally owned businesses, restaurants and handicrafts over mass-produced souvenirs.
- Hire local guides and drivers to support fair employment.
- Participate in community-based tourism experiences that give back to the local economy.
- Carry a reusable water bottle—filtered water stations are widely available.
- Bring your own reusable shopping bags and say no to single-use plastics.
- Dispose of waste responsibly and recycle where possible.
- Take short showers instead of baths to save water.
- Turn off lights, air conditioning and other electronics when not in use.
- Reuse towels and linens rather than requesting daily changes.
- Avoid attractions that exploit animals, such as elephant riding. Instead, visit ethical wildlife sanctuaries.
- Stay on marked trails when hiking to prevent damage to fragile ecosystems.
- Do not feed or disturb wild animals.
- Opt for public transport, cycling or walking when possible.
- Choose eco-friendly accommodations and tour operators.
- Offset your carbon footprint by supporting reforestation or conservation projects.
- Educate yourself about Sri Lanka’s history, culture and environmental challenges.
- Respect local customs, even if they differ from your own.
- Encourage responsible travel by sharing your experiences with others.
Our approach towards making this world a better place to live
Reducing Our Plastic Waste
At Studio de Ceylon, we are committed to making your holiday as plastic-free as possible. One of our key initiatives is the introduction of reusable water bottles, allowing our guests to refill and stay hydrated while travelling. Additionally, we provide glass water bottles as a sustainable alternative to plastic.
By implementing these changes, we have successfully eliminated the use of single-use plastic water bottles within our operations. However, our commitment to sustainability doesn’t stop here. We continuously seek greener alternatives to further minimising plastic consumption and reduce our environmental footprint.
Join us in our journey towards a cleaner, greener Sri Lanka by embracing eco-friendly travel habits and saying no to single-use plastics!
Supporting Local Communities
At Studio de Ceylon, we believe that travel should be a transformative experience—not just for our guests, but for the communities we visit. That’s why many of our experiences are designed in close partnership with local communities, ensuring authentic cultural exchanges while fostering responsible tourism.
We are committed to directing tourism revenue back into local economies, creating opportunities for small businesses, artisans and entrepreneurs. By employing a diverse team from across the country and working with locally owned businesses, we ensure that the benefits of tourism are shared equitably.
By choosing to travel with us, you contribute to sustainable livelihoods and help preserve Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage. Together, we can make a meaningful impact!
Reducing Our Carbon Emissions
At Studio de Ceylon, we are committed to minimising our carbon footprint—both from our own operations and from the travel experiences we offer.
On an internal level, we actively analyse travel patterns and implement eco-friendly solutions, such as carpooling and transitioning to a greener fleet with newer, fuel-efficient vehicles.
However, our commitment goes beyond reducing emissions. We have also initiated a mangrove rehabilitation project, recognising the vital role mangroves play in absorbing carbon dioxide, protecting coastal ecosystems and mitigating climate change.
By choosing to travel responsibly, we can collectively reduce our impact on the planet and work towards a more sustainable future.
