Acknowledging the global emphasis on sustainable tourism, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development
Authority (SLTDA) has launched the National Sustainable Tourism Certification (NSTC) scheme6 .
Specifically designed for small and medium hotel operators, its primary objective is to safeguard
Sri Lanka’s unique natural and cultural heritage. The NSTC scheme plays a crucial role in Sri
Lanka’s commitment to achieving balance between environmental, socio-cultural, economic, and
other impacts on the local community.