Travelling is important in everyone's life, and it has many advantages: breaking down social barriers, connecting people, improving skills but the downside is often neglected. However, many travellers are now concerned whether their trip is hurting the environment, harming local communities or whether visiting a destination can create a positive impact. Sustainable tourism has been a prime focus of Jetwing Hotels for over 40 years and in its continuous efforts to contribute positively to the environment and communities, recently initiated 'Think! Tuesdays' campaign on Instagram.
Sustainability is important in the travel industry as it not only adds pressure on the planet through intensive energy and water consumption and other daily activities but it also relies on clean beaches, waterfalls and landscapes to act as tourist attractions. 'Think! Tuesdays' is a platform used to share the different initiatives implemented at each of the Jetwing Hotels under its six pillars of sustainability- energy and carbon, water and waste, biodiversity, community and culture, family and sourcing and production. Through this information sharing Jetwing aims to create awareness regarding the underlying issues and encourage eco-conscious behaviour.
Dmitri Cooray, Manager Operations, Jetwing Hotels speaking on Think! Tuesdays said “As sustainability has always been a key priority at Jetwing we wanted to reach out to our guests as well as the community in an innovative way. Instagram has a massive reach with young adults and our sustainability efforts not only focus on today but also a safer environment for the future generations. Therefore we believed engaging with this audience based on our experience on sustainability, and thereby encouraging them to make a difference in their lives even in a small way could collectively make a significant impact to the environment.”
At Jetwing sustainability does not mean sacrificing comfort. In many instances, sustainability increases the quality of stay for guests. Solar powered lighting, locally sourced produce, recycling and various other initiatives enhance the guest experience.
Family owned and in the tourism industry for the past 45 years, Jetwing Hotels has surpassed expectation at every aspect. Building on their foundation of being passionate, as well as the experience of true, traditional Sri Lankan hospitality, constantly pioneering discoveries captures the essence of the brand. Such a strong statement and direction have enabled Jetwing Hotels to imagine, create and manage marvels and masterpieces, where distinctive design and elegant comfort complement each other and the environment. In line with the Jetwing Hotels Sustainable Strategy, across all properties sustainable and responsible practices are given precedence with resource efficiency, community upliftment and education, and awareness being some of our key focus areas.