Heritance Kandalama wins Gold at ICRT Indian Subcontinent Responsible Tourism Awards 2025

Heritance Kandalama has been awarded Gold under the Climate Adaptation and Resilience Category at ICRT Indian Subcontinent Responsible Tourism Awards 2025, held in New Delhi. 

This was in recognition of its outstanding contributions to responsible tourism through proactive, innovative and scalable steps to both reduce its carbon footprint and protect tourism infrastructure, communities and ecosystems from climate-related risks. 

The prestigious accolade highlights the resort’s pioneering achievements in sustainable hospitality and reinforces its leadership role in shaping the future of tourism in Sri Lanka and the wider region. 

The International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT) Awards are regarded as one of the region’s foremost platforms for recognising excellence in sustainable practices. Each year, they honour organisations that demonstrate innovation, accountability and long-term commitment to responsible tourism. 

Winning the Gold award under the Climate Adaptation and Resilience Category places Heritance Kandalama among the foremost champions of sustainability in the Indian subcontinent and as a Gold recipient, the resort is eligible to stand at the Global Responsible Tourism Awards, further elevating its influence on an international stage. 

Heritance Kandalama has long been celebrated as a benchmark for eco-conscious tourism. Designed by the renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, the hotel is integrated seamlessly into its natural surroundings, embodying the principle that nature and design should complement each other. 

Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings PLC Chairperson Stasshani Jayawardena stated, “This recognition, granted for our measurable progress in decarbonising tourism and developing adaptive solutions – confirms that we are on the right path and reaffirms our resolve, as we continue to shape the future of accountable tourism.”