London, United Kingdom – July 11, 2025 — In a bold and visionary move to position Sri Lanka as a global leader in sustainable wildlife tourism, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is launching the inaugural Sri Lanka Wildlife Festival in London from July 15 to 17, 2025. Hosted in collaboration with Cinnamon Nature Trails, the Wilderness and Wildlife Conservation Foundation, and the Sri Lanka High Commission in the UK, the festival aims to present Sri Lanka’s remarkable biodiversity to an international audience and inspire greater engagement with eco-tourism.
Held at the Sri Lanka High Commission in London, the three-day event is expected to draw conservationists, wildlife photographers, travel professionals, academics, and policy leaders from the UK and Europe. Visitors will experience an immersive celebration of the island nation’s wildlife through high-impact exhibitions, expert-led seminars, and interactive forums on conservation.
A Visual Journey Through Sri Lanka’s Rich Ecosystems
One of the festival’s highlights is a curated exhibition of 65 captivating wildlife photographs, showcasing the wide-ranging ecosystems found in Sri Lanka. From the elusive Sri Lankan leopard to vibrant tropical birdlife of the Sinharaja Rainforest, the exhibit captures the country’s incredible natural diversity—spanning national parks, coastal habitats, dry zones, and misty highlands.
This visual storytelling experience invites attendees to discover why Sri Lanka has earned global acclaim for its unique and concentrated biodiversity. According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, the country boasts over 6,000 wild elephants, over 500 bird species (including 33 endemic species), and is home to the highest density of leopards in Asia—making it a top-tier destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Expert-Led Seminars and Sustainable Travel Dialogues
The festival will also feature a rich lineup of conservation seminars, workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions. Experts from Cinnamon Nature Trails and allied organizations will address topics such as elephant behavior studies, rainforest restoration, habitat protection, and the socio-economic benefits of responsible tourism.
Attendees will gain insights into science-backed conservation strategies, including the use of data-driven wildlife monitoring and the application of sustainable travel practices in sensitive ecosystems. These sessions aim to spark international collaboration and promote Sri Lanka as a model for integrating tourism with biodiversity protection.
Cinnamon Nature Trails: At the Forefront of Conservation
At the heart of the initiative is Cinnamon Nature Trails, the wildlife and conservation division of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts. Over the past decade, the team has pioneered efforts in elephant behavior research in Minneriya National Park, rainforest reforestation, and endangered species conservation, including work to protect the Sri Lankan leopard.
Speaking ahead of the festival, Chitral Jayatilake, Vice President of Cinnamon Nature Trails, emphasized,
“Our goal is to introduce the world to the mosaic of climatic zones that support Sri Lanka’s exceptional biodiversity. Through immersive storytelling and science-based conservation, we’re offering global travelers meaningful engagement with nature.”
Minneriya’s “The Gathering” – A Natural Wonder
A major feature of Sri Lanka’s wildlife appeal is “The Gathering” at Minneriya National Park, often cited by wildlife experts as one of the most extraordinary wildlife spectacles in the world. Occurring between July and October, this natural event sees hundreds of Asian elephants converge at the Minneriya reservoir, creating a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for photographers and eco-travelers.
Events like the Sri Lanka Wildlife Festival aim to spotlight such attractions while promoting conservation-friendly travel experiences that benefit both wildlife and local communities.
A Model for Conservation Diplomacy and Tourism Partnership
The Sri Lanka Wildlife Festival is also a compelling example of conservation diplomacy, uniting tourism, government, and conservation stakeholders on a common platform. Dushyantha Silva, Director of the Wilderness and Wildlife Conservation Foundation, commented,
“This is a strong demonstration of what cross-sector collaboration can achieve. Together with Cinnamon Hotels, the Sri Lankan High Commission, and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, we’re delivering a message of responsible tourism and environmental stewardship.”
Looking Ahead: An Annual Event for a Global Audience
Far from being a one-off event, organizers aim to make the Sri Lanka Wildlife Festival an annual affair, evolving into a global platform to promote Sri Lanka’s eco-tourism credentials. Future editions are expected to attract an even broader international audience—from wildlife photographers and environmental journalists to luxury travel buyers and sustainability leaders.
By engaging high-value visitor segments and fostering awareness of Sri Lanka’s conservation efforts, the festival aligns with the National Sustainable Tourism Policy adopted by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). It also reinforces the country’s post-pandemic travel strategy, which emphasizes quality over quantity, with a focus on sustainability and authenticity.
Conclusion: Reimagining Sri Lanka as a Global Eco-Tourism Leader
With the debut of the Sri Lanka Wildlife Festival in London, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts positions the island nation as not only a scenic beach destination but also a biodiversity hotspot and conservation leader. The festival brings global visibility to Sri Lanka’s wildlife heritage while reinforcing the country’s status as a responsible and attractive destination for eco-conscious travelers.
As global demand for meaningful travel experiences grows, initiatives like this ensure that Sri Lanka is not only part of the conversation but leading it. With its rare species, breathtaking landscapes, and community-led conservation, Sri Lanka is poised to become a beacon for the future of sustainable wildlife tourism.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
