Classic Destinations Becomes Sri Lanka’s First GSTC Sustainability Certified DMC

Classic Destinations, the registered company of Classic Sri Lanka and Classic Wild, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming Sri Lanka’s first Destination Management Company (DMC) to receive the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Certification, the world’s leading standard for sustainable tourism.

The GSTC sets and manages the global baseline standards for sustainability in travel and tourism, recognized internationally by governments, UN agencies, and industry leaders as the benchmark for responsible practices. Receiving this certification places Classic Destinations among an elite group of travel companies worldwide that are committed to environmental stewardship, community engagement, and ethical tourism operations. It underscores Classic Destinations’ leadership in embedding sustainability across operations while reinforcing Sri Lanka’s position as a responsible, forward-thinking destination. The GSTC certification confirms Classic Destinations’ full compliance with globally recognized criteria across four key areas: sustainable management, socioeconomic benefits, cultural heritage protection, and environmental conservation.

This achievement underscores Classic Destinations’ long-standing dedication to sustainable tourism development, reflecting years of investment in responsible practices, supplier engagement, and community-driven initiatives. The certification process, conducted by Control Union Certifications, involved a comprehensive evaluation of the company’s operations, policies, and on-the-ground sustainability initiatives in alignment with the GSTC Criteria. The certification process involved comprehensive auditing, transparent reporting, and strategic improvement actions.

Commenting on the milestone, Shazna Hassen, Manager Business Development – Classic Destinations, said:

“Becoming Sri Lanka’s first GSTC-certified DMC is not just an achievement, but a responsibility. It reinforces our commitment to championing sustainability as a core value within the travel industry. This recognition validates the efforts of our entire team and partners who continue to support our vision for a more responsible and resilient tourism future.” 

The GSTC Certification positions Classic Destinations as a pioneer in responsible travel, setting new standards for sustainable tourism practices in Sri Lanka and the region. The company continues to develop and promote experiences that are environmentally conscious, culturally respectful, and socially inclusive—redefining what it means to travel responsibly.

This achievement enhances Sri Lanka’s image as a sustainable travel destination and aligns with global trends where travelers increasingly seek responsible, ethical, and eco-conscious experiences.

About Classic Destinations

Classic Destinations is a premier Destination Management Company focused on Sri Lanka & Maldives, known for crafting exceptional travel experiences across South Asia. Backed by the Expolanka Group, the company offers personalized holidays for every genre of inbound traveller through its specialized divisions—Classic Sri Lanka, focused on adventure and experiential travel, and Classic Wild, dedicated to wildlife and nature-based experiences. By combining strong B2B relationships, certified vendors, and exclusive services, Classic Destinations continues to set the benchmark for sustainable and experiential travel across the region.