Sustainability

Sustaining Sri Lanka’s beauty for travellers of tomorrow

As an ethical travel company, we not only ensure responsible tourism but work towards creating a brighter future for our motherland.

Being an island rich in natural resources, Sri Lanka inspires us to pledge that every holiday leaves a positive mark on both its people and landscapes. Embracing Sustainable luxury travel, we craft thoughtful, high-end yet environmentally conscious experiences that support rural communities, protect wildlife and ecosystems, and create unforgettable, transformational journeys. At our heart lies a deep love for Sri Lanka’s natural beauty, guiding us to design meaningful escapes that blend comfort, authenticity, and a lasting positive impact for every traveller.

sustainable experience

Our team constantly curates innovative journeys that go beyond ordinary travel, connecting explorers to the heart of Sri Lanka’s untouched places and communities. Rooted in responsible and ethical travel, we are guided by ESG-conscious travel decisions, designing experiences that foster genuine cultural exchange, environmental stewardship and deep respect for local traditions. Through these meaningful encounters, we aim to enrich every traveller’s experience while bringing lasting, positive benefits to the people and places that need it most.

PEOPLE

Connecting Hearts Through Meaningful Travel

Striving to promote authentic cultural experiences, People are at the heart of every journey we create. ArTravele works towards uplifting rural livelihoods, ensuring tourism brings meaningful benefits to make Sri Lanka extraordinary.

PLANET

Healing the Earth: Where Innovation Meets Regeneration

From eco-conscious travel design to wildlife and ecosystem conservation, our commitment to the planet drives every decision we make. ArTravele champions sustainable practices that honor and protect Sri Lanka’s breathtaking natural heritage, inviting future generations to connect with its timeless beauty.

PROFIT

Thriving Responsibly for a Better Tomorrow

Profit with purpose defines our success and ambitions for the future. A commitment to responsible growth that empowers communities safeguards the planet and drives innovation for a sustainable tomorrow.

Our Projects

Supply Chain

ArTravele together with our sister companies under the John Keells Foundation launched an English training program in 2021 for Chauffeur Guides, conducted by Gateway College. Two batches completed the course with 84 Guides improving their English skills.
The John Keells Foundation together with Gateway College hosted an english program for the children of Chauffeur Guides resulting in training 36 students across multiple educational levels within a 15-hour course.
We train our Chauffeur Guides in first aid and defensive driving to ensure client safety. We have trained 158 Guides in first aid (2018) and 200 Guides in defensive driving (2016). These trainings are conducted annually targeting the participation of 200 Chauffeurs and Drivers, covering emergency response, health and safety, and safe driving skills.
ArTravele provides bi-annual training for Chauffeur Guides on safety, professionalism, ethical tour handling, first-aid and sustainable tourism. In 2021, two training sessions were held on two days with 144 and 87 Guides participating respectively, including workshops on Covid safety, general guidelines, and sustainability.

Staff

As a member of the John Keells Group, we promote gender equality through empowerment, equal opportunities, and a gender-sensitive work culture, aiming for 50% female workforce by 2030. Initiatives include 100-day maternity and paternity leave, free sanitary napkins for female employees, and flexible working hours to support parents and learners.
Our Company maintains a discrimination-free workplace, ensuring equal opportunity regardless of race, gender, age, ability, or background. The policy supports all employees to reach their full potential and encourages staff to actively uphold diversity and inclusion.

Climate Action

ArTravele, together with our sister companies, has been operating a carbon-neutral vehicle fleet for over 10 years and were the first South Asian destination management company to do so. By offsetting all greenhouse gas emissions from its vehicles each year, our company minimizes its environmental impact and remains committed to maintaining a fully carbon-neutral fleet.
Our company advances carbon-neutral tourism by fully offsetting the CO₂ emissions from its vehicle fleet through the purchase of high-quality carbon offsets from renewable energy projects, earning the CarbonNeutral® fleet certification. Working with Climate Impact Partners and independently assessed by Sustainable Future Group, the company measures emissions from its vehicle operations and electricity use. We reduce emissions internally by using hybrid vehicles. The remaining emissions are offset through verified projects that deliver real emission reductions and support the transition to a low-carbon global economy, ensuring strong environmental integrity and a positive climate impact.

Responsible Consumption

Millions of marine animals die each year from plastic pollution. To reduce this impact, we encourage travellers to use reusable water bottles instead of single-use bottles. Switching to reusables supports more sustainable tourism and helps protect marine life.

Plasticcycle, a John Keells Group initiative, works to reduce plastic pollution in Sri Lanka by minimizing single-use plastics, promoting responsible disposal, and strengthening recycling efforts. Reflecting our commitment to ESG-conscious travel decisions, ArTravele contributed by sponsoring 48 collection bins along the Southern Expressway, helping to collect over 4,000 kg of plastic in August 2021. We also actively participate in volunteer initiatives that inspire the public to refuse, reduce, reuse, and recycle, supporting a cleaner environment and more sustainable travel practices.

Ecosystem Restoration

As a brand, we support the Cinnamon Rainforest Restoration Project near the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, helping to restore a degraded 50-acre area. Staff and volunteers participated in the initial tree-planting in 2022, and the company has committed to maintaining five acres while also involving international clients. Led by conservation experts, the project aims to regenerate biodiversity over a three-year period in partnership with environmental organizations, serving as a model for corporate-led ecosystem restoration in Sri Lanka.

We support a coral restoration pilot project in Nayaru by providing logistical assistance and helping partners conduct assessments and plan restoration activities. The initiative aligns with SDG 14 and aims to protect marine ecosystems that are vital to Sri Lanka’s biodiversity and tourism sector.