Aitken Spence Hotels positions Rainforest Ecolodge as strategic gateway to high-value ecotourism segment
By Sanath Nanayakkare Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings PLC, the hospitality arm of blue-chip conglomerate Aitken Spence PLC, has repositioned The Rainforest Ecolodge -located at the edge of the UNESCO World Heritage Sinharaja Forest Reserve – to capitalize on growing global demand for high-value, nature-positive tourism. The property, situated within the Enselwatte Tea Estate, represents Sri […]
Aitken Spence Hotels, a subsidiary of the prestigious Aitken Spence PLC, has shifted its focus to The Rainforest Ecolodge, located at the edge of the UNESCO World Heritage Sinharaja Forest Reserve. This move aims to leverage the global surge in demand for high-value, environmentally-friendly tourism. As the first officially classified ecolodge in Sri Lanka, recognized by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, the Rainforest Ecolodge is nestled within the Enselwatte Tea Estate and boasts a LEED Platinum certification, a testament to its sustainable design and construction using repurposed shipping containers and recycled materials.
This strategic shift aligns with the broader industry trend in Sri Lanka to move away from traditional beach resorts towards high-yield, experiential tourism that prioritizes environmental conservation and community involvement. The lodge, which features 20 chalets, is not only a gateway to Sri Lanka's last significant primary tropical rainforest but also an embodiment of the company’s commitment to responsible hospitality.
Stasshani Jayawardena, Chairperson of Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings PLC, emphasized that the Rainforest Ecolodge offers a unique opportunity to connect guests with one of Sri Lanka's most precious natural treasures while ensuring that conservation and local communities are central to the guest experience.
Managing Director Susith Jayawickrama stressed that the hotel's objective is to integrate hospitality with ecological preservation to foster meaningful connections between tourists and the environment. The Rainforest Ecolodge has already earned several international accolades, including the Silver 'Nature Positive' award at the ICRT Indian Subcontinent Awards 2026, and the title of 'Sri Lanka's Leading Lodge 2026' at the World Travel Awards.
These recognitions underscore the property's operational excellence in ecological preservation, community empowerment, and conservation education. The hotel's model is seen as a benchmark for regional tourism management, effectively merging corporate ESG goals with profitable tourism in Sri Lanka.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
