Climate Change Story – Sri Lanka’s first low-carbon tours pave the way for sustainable tourism

Climate change poses a significant challenge to tourism: it can disrupt traditional travel seasons, threaten tourism infrastructure and natural attractions, and make some destinations less accessible. The industry also contributes significantly to climate change, accounting for approximately 8 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. In Sri Lanka, the tourism cycle is based on the two main monsoons and the country’s abundant natural assets of ‘sun, sea and sand’. Nearly 60 per cent of tourists to Sri Lanka seek out nature-based seasonal experiences. However, recent changes in rainfall and weather patterns have started to alter monsoon cycles and disrupt travel. This can lead to declining visitor experiences and destination attractiveness