SLEF and its contribution in promoting Ecotourism Education in Sri Lanka

SLEF is the only tourism organization in Sri Lanka that promotes training, and research programmes on ecotourism and sustainable tourism, in addition to the development of Community Based Tourism Projects. During past years, SLEF has conducted many Community Training programmes, Certificate Programmes, Ecotourism Business Development (EBD) programme, Workshops, Study and Field Trips for the National and Chauffeur Guide Lecturers, activists of Community Based Ecotourism projects, University Students and academia, staff and officials of national and international NGOs, Executives of Destination Management Companies, private and public sector tourism organizations etc. Apart from, SLEF has hosted and organized many national and regional ecotourism conferences, workshops, symposiums on diverse themes and subjects related to Ecotourism. SLEF also represented Sri Lanka in important international and regional ecotourism conferences held across the world. In appreciation of the services contributed by the SLEF in promoting of Ecotourism in Sri Lanka, it has been awarded ‘Outstanding Contribution for Tourism’ at the ‘Presidential Awards for Sri Lanka Tourism, 2010’ and the first ever Award for the ‘Best Initiative for Ecotourism Research, Training and Education in Sri Lanka’ in 2011

SLEF is also the oldest Regional Ecotourism Association in Sri Lanka, affiliated to The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), the largest and the oldest international ecotourism organization in the world. Currently, Palitha Gurusinghe, President, SLEF, is a Board member of the TIES. www.ecotourism.org

During past years SLEF has pioneered in popularizing Ecotourism Education, Training and Researches in Sri Lanka, among the Community, Travel Agents, Tourism Marketing/Planning Executives and decision makers, Adventure and Nature based Tour Operators, University Students, teachers, Researchers, Practicing National Tourist Guide Lecturers, Hotels, Guest Houses, Restaurants, Ecolodge owners and Camping Operators, Travel Journalists in Electronic and Print media etc.