Sri Lanka has earned fresh international acclaim in 2025 as Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts secured the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Gold Award for Best Ecosystem and Wildlife Conservation. The accolade celebrates the brand’s groundbreaking Cinnamon Rainforest Restoration Project, which has become a beacon of sustainable tourism and biodiversity conservation.
Launched in 2022, the initiative is restoring 59 acres of degraded land in Suduwelipotha, located in Sri Lanka’s richly biodiverse wet zone. What was once a damaged and depleted landscape has been transformed into a thriving habitat for rare and endemic wildlife, proving that private sector hospitality can be a powerful force for conservation.
The Cinnamon Rainforest Restoration Project
The Rainforest Restoration Project reflects a new tourism paradigm in Sri Lanka. It demonstrates how the hospitality industry can directly support conservation while enhancing the tourism experience for visitors. Situated in a UNESCO-recognized ecological hotspot, the project focuses on replanting, habitat protection, and scientific monitoring to revive fragile ecosystems.
So far, more than 22,000 native trees have been planted, with a survival rate of nearly 90 percent. The program has also led to the rediscovery of 36 plant species, including the Pini Beraliya (Doona ovalifolia), a hardwood tree once thought extinct in the wild. These results highlight how targeted rehabilitation efforts can restore both biodiversity and ecological services.
Faunal surveys within the project site have identified over 250 species, including 54 endemic and 43 globally threatened animals. By building a safe corridor for these species, the project enhances genetic diversity and supports long-term ecological resilience.
Collaboration at the Heart of Success
The project’s achievements are the result of strong partnerships. Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts works alongside the Sri Lanka Forest Department, local NGO Ruk Rakaganno (The Tree Society), and the John Keells Foundation. Together, they combine government oversight, local expertise, and corporate funding to ensure the project’s viability.
This collaborative framework shows how different stakeholders—hospitality leaders, scientists, policymakers, and communities—can unite to protect biodiversity. By pooling resources and knowledge, they have created a model that other destinations across Asia-Pacific can replicate.
A New Standard in Sustainable Tourism
Sustainable tourism is no longer a niche—it is becoming the foundation of Sri Lanka’s long-term travel strategy. The Cinnamon Rainforest Restoration Project aligns with this national vision, proving that luxury tourism can coexist with environmental responsibility.
Guests visiting Cinnamon properties are encouraged to engage with the initiative through eco-tours, guided treks, and educational activities. By linking conservation directly to visitor experiences, the project helps raise awareness and strengthens the connection between travelers and the natural world.
This approach transforms tourism from a passive leisure activity into a purposeful journey, where visitors contribute to preservation while enjoying Sri Lanka’s natural beauty.
Community Benefits and Local Empowerment
The project does more than protect wildlife; it also supports surrounding communities. Local farmers supply produce to Cinnamon’s resorts, ensuring farm-to-table dining experiences while boosting rural economies. Artisan products such as handwoven textiles and silver jewelry are showcased in resort boutiques, channeling tourism revenue back into villages.
Educational programs also extend to local schools, where children are introduced to conservation practices. This ensures that the benefits of the project ripple beyond tourism, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship across generations.
Addressing Overtourism and Climate Challenges
As global tourism continues to grow, destinations like Sri Lanka face the challenge of balancing economic opportunity with ecological sustainability. The Rainforest Restoration Project offers a solution by embedding conservation into the heart of hospitality operations.
By prioritizing biodiversity protection, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts helps prevent the environmental degradation that can undermine tourism’s long-term appeal. In addition, the project plays a role in climate change mitigation by reforesting degraded land, sequestering carbon, and safeguarding watersheds vital to agriculture and tourism alike.
Why the PATA Gold Award Matters
The PATA Gold Award is one of the travel industry’s most respected recognitions, honoring innovation and excellence in Asia-Pacific tourism. By winning in the category of Best Ecosystem and Wildlife Conservation, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts has placed Sri Lanka firmly on the global map as a leader in sustainable hospitality.
This recognition not only validates the group’s efforts but also encourages other tourism operators to integrate sustainability into their business models. It sends a clear message: protecting nature and delivering luxury can go hand in hand.
A Future of Responsible Travel
Looking ahead, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts plans to expand its sustainability initiatives, using the Rainforest Restoration Project as a blueprint for future endeavors. With eco-conscious travelers increasingly seeking experiences that align with their values, the group is well positioned to meet this demand.
By offering luxury experiences grounded in conservation, Sri Lanka can attract discerning tourists who value authenticity, responsibility, and cultural connection. This shift promises not only to protect natural heritage but also to ensure the long-term competitiveness of the country’s tourism industry.
Conclusion: Sri Lanka’s Sustainable Tourism Legacy
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts has demonstrated that tourism can be a catalyst for conservation. The Cinnamon Rainforest Restoration Project, now recognized with a PATA Gold Award, is a milestone in Sri Lanka’s journey toward sustainable tourism leadership.
By restoring ecosystems, empowering communities, and inspiring responsible travelers, the initiative sets a powerful precedent for the global hospitality industry. In a world where environmental integrity is increasingly tied to tourism success, Sri Lanka has shown how to weave sustainability into luxury, creating a model that benefits both people and planet.
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