Beyond Tourism: Creating Positive Impact Through People, Planet and Community

Making a Difference Along Our Coastline

On 16 September, Walkers Tours partnered with Clean Ocean Force for a beach cleanup as part of a MICE group programme. Participants, together with our MICE Operations Team and Sustainability Team, came together to give back to the destination, collecting an impressive 370 kg of waste from the coastline. The initiative also extended to the local community, with dry ration packs provided to community members who clean the beach on a daily basis. It was a meaningful reminder that MICE experiences can combine team engagement with positive environmental and social action.

Growing a Greener Future

Our environmental commitment also continued through a tree planting and environmental awareness initiative, where participants planted 50 trees while learning more about the importance of protecting Sri Lanka’s forests and biodiversity. The activity brought together environmental education and hands-on action, creating an opportunity for participants to contribute directly to the restoration of our natural environment. The group also had the opportunity to experience the Cinnamon Rainforest Respite Facility, a community-supported facility we established to enhance the experience of visitors to the Sinharaja area while creating opportunities for local livelihoods. As part of the experience, the local community prepared and served a traditional meal, offering participants an authentic taste of local culture while directly supporting community participation.

Connecting Through Inclusion

As part of our community engagement, we also supported an activity day at a School for the Deaf and Blind, creating opportunities for delegates and students to connect through shared experiences. Participants took part in a range of interactive activities, including a cooking demonstration led by community members, basketball, painting, music and cricket sessions, allowing everyone to engage through different forms of communication, creativity and teamwork. The initiative also included the handover of essential school donations and lunch arrangements for students and delegates.

Through Beyond Tourism, we continue to turn our commitment to sustainability into meaningful action, protecting the places we operate in, supporting local communities and giving back to nature, while creating authentic travel experiences that leave a positive footprint and lasting memories.