The benefits of international travel are evident for both hosts and travelers – employment, increased understanding of different cultures, business and leisure opportunities. At the same time there is clearly a downside to the industry. Where visitor pressure is high and/or poorly regulated, adverse impacts to society and the natural environment may be apparent. Paradoxically, this is as true in more rural and pristine areas – where culture and the natural environment are less ‘prepared’ for even small numbers of visitors.

In Sri Lanka undoubtedly the travel industry is growing rapidly and increasingly the impacts of this supposedly ‘smokeless’ industry is becoming apparent. These impacts can seem remote and unrelated to an individual trip or holiday (eg: air travel is clearly implicated in global warming and damage to the ozone layer, resort location and construction can destroy natural habitats and restrict traditional rights and activities) but, individual choice and awareness can make a difference in many instances , and collectively, travelers are having a significant effect in shaping a more responsible and sustainable landscape in the island.

Of course travel can have beneficial impacts and this is something to which every traveler can contribute. Sri Lanka’s national parks for example are part funded by receipts from visitors. Similarly, travelers can promote patronage and protection of important archaeological sites and heritage through their interest and contributions via entrance and performance fees. They can also support small-scale enterprises by staying in locally run hotels and hostels, eating in local restaurants and by purchasing local goods, supplies and arts and crafts.

There has been a phenomenal growth in tourism that promotes and supports the conservation of natural environments and is also fair and equitable to local communities. This eco-tourism segment is probably the fastest growing sector of the travel industry and provides a vast and growing range of destinations and activities.

While the authenticity of some ecotourism operators claims need to be interpreted with care, there is clearly both a huge demand for this type of activity and also significant opportunities to support worthwhile conservation and social development initiatives.

As a travel agent passionate about promoting my beloved motherland and also protecting its natural beauty and resources here are a few tips and suggestion I would like to convey to visitors to Sri Lanka:

–          On beaches dotted throughout the island you will find many touts selling shells and other protected natural commodities. Sells and taking shells from the beaches are illegal but poorly monitored and enforced. Travellers can be mindful and chose to not buy these products regardless of their beauty. You may think you are helping the locals with encouraging trade but this will only encourage this scarce resource to diminish in the years to come.

–          Travelling to Jaffna – Many of the hotels are run by locals from Jaffna peninsula with a few professional run establishments. Choose to stay at a local run accommodation option which will help the locals. The standards may be less than what you are use to but please be open-minded and go with an open heart. These people have gone through a lot in the last 30 years and are doing remarkably well.

–          Do not encourage begging. Most often begging is an organized trade and encourages children to be roped into it. Instead buy a meal or share a story with them.

These are just a few suggestions and observations I have made. Please feel free to leave your own thoughts and suggestions.