🌱 Australia's MDF & Thema Collection Partner to Drive Sri Lanka's Sustainable & Wellness Tourism

Australia’s Market Development Facility (MDF) has partnered with Thema Collection to host an industry forum titled “Positioning Sri Lanka as a Sustainable and Wellness Destination” on 21 August 2026 at Hatch Colombo. The event aims to accelerate Sri Lanka's transition toward climate-conscious, high-value experiential tourism. • Wellness Tourism Market Surge: - Sri Lanka ranked No.1 Top Trending Wellness Destination for 2026 by BookRetreats.com, recording a 100% YoY demand surge. - Global wellness tourism is approaching US$ 1 Trillion and is projected to pass US$ 1.4 Trillion by 2027 (Global Wellness Institute). - 49% of modern travellers plan to spend budgets on holistic health and multi-day retreats over traditional luxury amenities. • Competitive Edge & Highlights: - Offers 2,000+ years of authentic, doctor-supervised Ayurvedic practices. - High-quality retreats in Kandy start at US$ 370–375, outperforming destinations like Australia, Morocco, and Spain on value. - Key assets include biodiversity, indigenous superfoods (moringa, gotu kola), and supportive visa-fee waivers for key source markets. • Strategic Objectives: - Embed rigorous carbon accounting, verified sustainability, and eco-standards across hospitality operators. - Align public and private stakeholders to protect natural capital, boost economic yield, and empower local communities.