Sustainable Tourism Development Initiative
Working with local communities to develop sustainable tourism practices that preserve natural environments while providing economic opportunities.
Impact at a glance
Key metrics tracked with our community partners to measure lasting change.
Guides: 40 local guides trained · Products: 16 tourism products developed
beneficiaries
200 trees planted
equipment
5 provinces covered
locations
8 communities involved
participants
32 training workshops
sessions
Why this project matters
We focus on cycling-centric initiatives that unlock education, wellness and economic opportunity for Sri Lankan communities.
Many rural communities in Sri Lanka have significant natural and cultural assets that could support tourism development. However, they often lack the knowledge, resources, and connections needed to develop sustainable tourism offerings that benefit local people while preserving their environment and heritage.
Our initiative provides comprehensive support to rural communities, including training in sustainable tourism practices, assistance with developing community-based tourism products, environmental conservation education, and connecting communities with responsible tour operators.
- Community workshops on sustainable tourism practices
- Environmental conservation projects and tree planting
- Development of community homestays and experiences
- Training for local guides and service providers
- Marketing support for community tourism products
- Creation of responsible tourism guidelines
- Sustainable tourism products launched in 5 districts
- 40 local guides certified in responsible tourism
- Increased household income for participating families
- Improved environmental awareness in partner communities
- Established tourism partnerships with local operators
- Documented best practices for replication
- Develop community-based sustainable tourism offerings
- Preserve local environments and cultural heritage
- Create alternative livelihood opportunities for rural families
- Build capacity for responsible tourism management
- Establish partnerships with responsible tour operators
- Monitor and evaluate environmental impact
Guides: 40 local guides trained · Products: 16 tourism products developed
- Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority
- Forest Conservation Department
- Local Community-Based Organizations
- Environmental NGOs
- Responsible tourism networks
On-the-ground snapshots
Scenes from rider workshops, community sessions and trail stewardship days captured during this initiative.
How riders contribute
Every guest journey includes touchpoints to engage with this project whether through skill-sharing workshops, fundraising rides, or direct donations matched by Across Ceylon.
- Join a give-back morning during your itinerary.
- Sponsor coaching, kit and mentorship for emerging riders.
- Participate in reforestation or trail maintenance along the route.
How you can get involved
Keen to extend your impact beyond the saddle? Here are a few ways to ride with purpose.
Add a give-back day
Extend your itinerary with a volunteer module bike maintenance workshops, English conversation clubs and more.
Sponsor a young rider
Provide coaching, kit and race entries for talented cyclists from rural communities.
Join a volunteer ride
Sign up for our quarterly island clean-up rides or join the equipment donation drive.
Ready to co-create impact on your ride?
Share the causes that matter to you education, wildlife, female cyclists and we’ll weave purpose-built experiences into your Sri Lankan cycling escape.