Sri Lanka’s tourism landscape shines brighter this year, as Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts has been honoured with the prestigious PATA Gold Award 2025 in the category of “Best Ecosystem & Wildlife Conservation Initiative.” The award, conferred at the Pacific Asia Travel Association’s annual event, recognizes the tremendous achievements of the Cinnamon Rainforest Restoration Project in Suduwelipotha—a long-term effort that has transformed degraded rainforest into a thriving haven for wildlife and plant life (Travel & Tour World, today)
A Vision for Revival in the Rainforest
Launched in 2022, the Rainforest Restoration Project spans approximately 59 acres in Sri Lanka’s biodiversity-rich wet zone. What was once an ecologically degraded landscape is now blooming with life, thanks to targeted restoration efforts that have rejuvenated the natural habitat (Travel & Tour World).
Partnerships Fueling Change
The success of the initiative owes much to active collaboration between Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka’s Forest Department, the environmental NGO Ruk Rekaganno (The Tree Society), and the John Keells Foundation. Scientific support and ecological planning were provided through Cinnamon Nature Trails—creating a holistic model that blends private sector leadership with expert environmental stewardship (Travel & Tour World).
Restoring Flora and Fauna
To date, nearly 22,800 native trees have been planted with an exceptional survival rate of 85–90%. Monitoring has confirmed the emergence of 36 previously unrecorded plant species and, notably, the reintroduction of the endangered endemic Pini Beraliya tree (Doonaovalifolia), once thought extinct in the wild. On the fauna front, the rejuvenated ecosystem now supports 251 species, including 54 endemic and 43 nationally threatened animals (Travel & Tour World; Ceylon Today).
Empowering Local Communities
Beyond conservation, the project has played a social role—providing direct employment to fifteen local families who now serve as custodians of the restored forest. Volunteerism has been a cornerstone of the initiative, with over 1,200 volunteers contributing to planting, monitoring, and community outreach activities (Travel & Tour World).
Recognized Across Asia Pacific
The Cinnamon Rainforest Restoration Project was selected from over 100 entries submitted by 45 organizations across the Asia-Pacific region. A panel of 25 distinguished judges in tourism and conservation praised the initiative’s innovative, measurable impact (Travel & Tour World).
Sustainability at the Core of Hospitality
As Sri Lanka’s tourism sector marches toward sustainability, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts stands out. This PATA Gold Award complements other accolades, such as the Best Project Sustainability Award at the 2024 Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Awards and an ACCA Sustainability Reporting Award (Cinnamon ESG Governance. The project further reinforces Cinnamon’s broader 2030 sustainability vision—to amplify forest cover, lower emissions, and embed ecological conservation within its hospitality ethos.
Looking Ahead to the PATA Travel Mart Ceremony
The formal award ceremony is scheduled for August 27, 2025, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, Thailand, during the PATA Travel Mart. The winning projects, including Cinnamon’s rainforest effort, will be showcased to an international industry audience, spotlighting sustainable tourism leadership (Travel & Tour World).
A Blueprint for the Future of Tourism
Historically, the hospitality industry has faced scrutiny over its environmental footprint. However, Cinnamon’s rainforest project challenges this narrative by demonstrating that private-sector tourism ventures can catalyze meaningful ecological revival. This initiative represents a potent blend of science-based restoration, community engagement, and environmental stewardship—underscoring that responsible tourism can drive positive impact for both nature and society.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
