Aitken Spence Travels (ASTL), Sri Lanka’s leading Destination Management Company, has achieved the internationally recognized Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification, marking a landmark milestone in the company’s sustainability journey.
The GSTC provides the world’s most comprehensive framework for sustainable tourism, based on four key pillars: sustainable management, socio-economic benefits to local communities, preservation of cultural heritage, and environmental responsibility.
Achieving GSTC certification is a rigorous process requiring extensive documentation, company-wide engagement, supply chain compliance, continuous monitoring of environmental performance, and independent on-site audits by a GSTC-accredited body. Beyond compliance, it reflects the integration of sustainability into strategy, culture, and daily operations.
At ASTL, the certification confirms that sustainability principles are actively implemented and independently verified across the organization, demonstrating measurable impact rather than just policy commitment.
Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Nalin Jayasundera, Managing Director of Aitken Spence Travels, said:
"This achievement represents the highest recognition of all sustainability certifications, and we are proud to be the first DMC in Sri Lanka to attain this distinction. Sustainability at ASTL is not an isolated initiative. We drive it with clear leadership direction and strong governance, fully supported by the wider Aitken Spence PLC Group. Our strategies are aligned with the Group’s sustainability framework, ensuring cohesive, measurable, and impactful outcomes. As a leader in tourism, we believe in walking the talk. This certification affirms that our commitment to responsible tourism is authentic, structured, and embedded across the entire organization."
The GSTC certification strengthens ASTL’s global credibility, enhances partnerships with international tour operators, and positions the company competitively in an increasingly sustainability-driven marketplace. It also reinforces improved governance, operational efficiency, resilience, and long-term value creation, solidifying ASTL’s role as a pioneer in sustainable tourism in Sri Lanka.
Viking Sky Cruise Ship Arrives in Colombo with 700 Tourists
The luxury cruise liner Viking Sky arrived at the Port of Colombo, bringing approximately 700 international travellers to Sri Lanka as part of its voyage from Thailand to the Maldives, providing a boost to the island’s growing cruise tourism sector.
Aitken Spence Travels managed the shore-side experience, curating excursions that introduced visitors to Sri Lanka’s culture, city life, and scenic attractions. Passengers enjoyed a mix of Colombo’s urban highlights alongside cultural and heritage sites, giving them a comprehensive snapshot of the island within the short timeframe typical of cruise itineraries. The port buzzed as hundreds of travellers disembarked for organised tours around the city.
As of 8 March 2026, Sri Lanka recorded a total of 47,646 international visitors for the month, bringing cumulative tourist arrivals for the year to 604,301. India remains the largest source market, contributing 24% of arrivals, followed by Russia (9%) and the United Kingdom (9%).
Aitken Spence Travels Achieves Prestigious GSTC Certification, Setting a New Benchmark for Sustainable Tourism in Sri Lanka
