Luxury travellers value exclusivity, privacy, and meaningful interactions, all of which Sri Lanka naturally provides, says Malik Fernando, Founder of Resplendent Ceylon, in this exclusive interview with Deccan Chronicle. Read on to find out how Resplendent Ceylon is setting a new standard for responsible luxury tourism in Sri Lanka. How do you see Sri Lanka’s tourism industry evolving in the next 5 years? I am confident that Sri Lanka’s tourism has strong upward momentum, and will develop significantly in the next 5 years. Travellers seek authentic experiences, and Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes and culture offer exactly that. Investment in sustainability and responsible tourism will drive long-term growth. Boutique and experiential travel segments will increasingly dominate visitor preferences. A stable government, and stronger policy is providing a better framework for development. What makes Sri Lanka an attractive destination for luxury travellers? Sri Lanka uniquely blends natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and genuine hospitality. Marco Polo once called it the finest island in the world, and the diversity of the country plays a strong role in this. Luxury travellers value exclusivity, privacy, and meaningful interactions, all of which Sri Lanka naturally provides. Our intimate resorts, authentic experiences, and untouched environments cater perfectly to this demand. The island’s compactness allows a variety of experiences within a short journey, enhancing its appeal. Sri Lanka offers luxury that is thoughtful, personal, and deeply connected to a sense of place. How does your experience with Dilmah Tea influence your approach to hospitality at Resplendent Ceylon? Dilmah Tea’s principles deeply influence my hospitality philosophy at Resplendent Ceylon. Dilmah emphasizes authenticity, quality, and purpose beyond profit—principles we replicate in our resorts. Just as the ethos of Dilmah is emphasising business as a matter of human service, at Resplendent, we focus on curating meaningful journeys. As a result, we ensure to embed sustainability and community responsibility into our luxury offering. What sets Ceylon Tea Trails apart from other luxury resorts in Sri Lanka? Ceylon Tea Trails is unmatched due to its setting in historic tea planters’ bungalows. The heritage, intimacy, and personalized attention provided here cannot be replicated. Each bungalow tells a distinct story, rooted in Sri Lanka’s tea legacy. Guests experience living history combined with understated luxury and attentive service, through our butlers and chefs across the bungalows. Our commitment to preserving this heritage and delivering authenticity sets Tea Trails distinctly apart. How does the Sri Lanka Tourism Alliance promote sustainable tourism practices in the industry? The Sri Lanka Tourism Alliance advocates actively for sustainable practices industry-wide. We provide practical resources, training, and guidance to businesses to reduce environmental impacts. This is a combination of webinars, white papers, in-person training and more. Through collaboration, we encourage responsible tourism growth, balancing profit with preservation. Our aim is simple: a tourism industry that positively impacts communities and the environment. How do you balance business goals with social and environmental responsibilities at Resplendent Ceylon? At Resplendent Ceylon, we integrate business goals seamlessly with environmental and social responsibilities. Sustainability is core to our operations, not merely an addition. Every business decision considers environmental impact and community benefit alongside profitability. For instance, at Cape Weligama, the community centre, which provides early learning, women’s empowerment programs and more, sits right next to our resort, and guests are able to partake in programs at the centre. This approach is extended to the entire collection, making sure that our impact goes beyond employing the local community, but enhancing the impact that we have as a responsible business.
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