Thursday, August 22, 2024 Agoda, GSTC, and USAID hosted a two-day sustainable tourism training in Colombo, equipping over 50 hoteliers with essential skills and knowledge. The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), in collaboration with Agoda and the U.S.
Agency for International Development (USAID), successfully wrapped up a comprehensive Hotel Sustainability Training for industry professionals on August 2nd, 2024. The two-day event, held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, was designed to empower hoteliers with the essential skills and knowledge to adopt sustainable tourism practices in accordance with the GSTC Criteria, the recognized global standards for sustainability in the travel and tourism sector. Hosted at the Taj Samudra Colombo Hotel, the training attracted over 50 participants from various sectors of the hospitality industry.
Attendees included representatives from renowned international chains like Hilton Colombo and Radisson Hotel Group, domestic players such as Aitken Spence and Oak Ray Hotels and Resorts, and independent establishments like The Merchant Galle Fort and Galadari Hotel Colombo. The event featured an interactive platform where participants could deepen their understanding of sustainable development. GSTC trainers, Mr.
CB Ramkumar, Vice-chair & Trainer at GSTC, and Mr. Chinthana Duminduhewa, provided expert guidance throughout the sessions. The opening ceremony was graced by notable figures including Mr.
Douglas Sonnek, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. .