About Aitken Spence Travels

As Sri Lanka’s leading Destination Management Company, we provide our principals the opportunity to experience the best of Sri Lanka.

The group’s unwavering commitment to excellence and sustainable practices has led to many local and international awards through the years.

Sustainability plays an important role in the group’s ethos and sustainability practices have been integrated into all aspects of operations. In fact, Aitken Spence was one of the country’s first companies to sign the UN Global Compact and continues to promote the adoption of corporate sustainability in business practices.

We are equipped with the finest resources and proven abilities to offer the best value propositions to our partners. Our service covers all aspects of Destination Management and is backed by a reputation of being the most professional in the business.

Aitken Spence has an impressive portfolio that is ever expanding. It is the proud owner of a chain of luxury hotels & resorts in Sri Lanka, Maldives, India and Oman and the group’s services sector has partnerships with some of the largest companies in the world.


Our comprehensive range of services includes planning and executing unique tours and holidays that are customized to our partners diverse needs and requirements. Every decision we make is led by our corporate philosophy which is aimed to realize the dreams and aspirations of our partners and their customers. Over 4 decades of worldwide repute and a world of delighted customers have inspired our motto – ‘to go the extra mile.’

We handled over 200,000 pax for FY 2018/19 which is the largest number of passengers handled by any DMC in Sri Lanka, with a global market reach. We account for over 400,000 room nights for FY 18/19 and are the largest produces to our Hotel partners within the industry.

Apart from our main stream business, we are geared to cater to specialized needs of Nature, Adventure, Wellness and Spa, Aryurveda, Sports, Medical tourism through dedicated specialized units.

Vision Statement
“Achieve service excellence in all our activities by going the extra mile for our customers”.

Mission Statement
Is to provide creative, reliable and flexible customer oriented travel solutions while providing quality driven services through well trained and passionate staff to gain the trust of our stake holders and provide leadership by offering competitive products while meeting our social responsibilities and protecting and safeguarding the environment ....less

Our comprehensive range of services includes planning and executing unique tours and holidays that are customized to our partners diverse needs and requirements. Every decision we make is led by our corporate philosophy which is aimed to realize the dreams and aspirations of our partners and their customers. Over 4 decades of worldwide repute and a world of delighted customers have inspired our motto – ‘to go the extra mile.’ ....less

Tourism: a force for good Our Sustainability Strategy is built on the idea that tourism is a force for good. Our ambition is to lead the industry towards a more socially, environmentally and economically sustainable future for tourism. Animal Welfare Suppliers are audited against standards set by the Global Welfare Guidelines for Animals in Tourism, ABTA and the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Environment To protect our planet, we will significantly reduce our ecological footprint in the areas of emissions, water, energy and waste. ....less

We have a story to tell you!

Lush green grass gives comfort to the foot, under the warm sunshine. Elder trees look strong and handsome as they spread their branches wide. A little deer plays a short distance from its mother. Thirsty leopards linger at the river banks to quench their thirst. Far away in the busy jungle, a pathetic cry is heard, shattering every cell of this beautiful setting.

We enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature, but do you hear that pathetic cry amidst the jungle? Who could be crying?

We search until we finally discover the source of this unbearable cry. A baby elephant runs here and there, lost and afraid – desperately searching for something.

For such helpless creatures, Aitken Spence Travels is involved in supporting an elephant orphanage where orphaned baby elephants are taken care of and given the love and kindness they need – except not by their own kind – but by humans.

Here’s an opportunity for you to help a baby elephant find its way!

The story of Bhanu
As the key project under our Travel Kindly initiative, we undertook the role of being a “foster parent” to a baby elephant named Bhanu at the Elephant Transit Home or Ath Athuru Sevana (www.eth.dwc.gov.lk) in Udawalawe.

The beginning of Bhanu’s story is a sad one. He was separated from his mother and was found in Yala. This poor orphaned elephant was weak, feeble and in a state of malnourishment when discovered. However, today he is healthy and happy, growing amongst a heard at the Elephant Transit Home; here Bhanu will learn social skills and to live amongst other elephants till he reaches the age of five when he will be released into the wild.

As part of the elephant foster programme, we also give visiting tourists a chance to join us in our conservation efforts; you have the option of donating an amount of your choice which will be used to look after Bhanu till the time comes for him to be released. Any tourist who visits Udawalawe National Park with Aitken Spence Travels will also be donating US $1 for this orphaned elephant.

This way you are not just enjoying the wildlife on offer but also contributing towards responsible tourism.



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As Aitken Spence Travels is the leading inbound travel agency in Sri Lanka, the company’s business goals are focused strongly on sustainable tourism practices where economically feasible actions, socially preferable decisions, and environmentally friendly operations are carried out by the organisation and a dedicated sustainability team setup who specializes in creating tours based on customer needs.

A leading standard when it comes to sustainability, the Travelife certification is granted to organisations that are committed to genuinely sustainable initiatives and conducting business that is both ethical and socially responsible.

The Travelife standard is in full compliance with the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC) that is supported by the UN. It covers the ISO 26000 Corporate Social Responsibility themes encompassing aspects such as the environment, labour relations, human rights and biodiversity.

In keeping with our commitment to sustainability in every aspect of our operations, Aitken Spence Travels has been awarded the Travelife certification; the company complied with more than 150 criteria as part of the evaluation process and continues to be motivated by a deep dedication to the environment and communities around us.

The importance of the Travelife certification is that it establishes standards and benchmarks in sustainability, which drives us towards improving our processes as well as offering a high quality service. This sustainable approach has a positive effect in not only customer satisfaction, but helping to improve business efficiency and staff motivation, all of which help to offer a competitive advantage.

Travelife is a three-stage certification program for tour operators and travel agents: (1) Travelife Engaged; (2) Travelife Partner and (3) Travelife Certified. We were awarded the Travelife Certified (stage 3). The Travelife Certified award is a recognition of our excellence towards social and environmental sustainability. We comply with more than 160 criteria related to sustainability management, office operations, working with suppliers and customer communication. Travelife is a certification body that is formally Accredited by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), the highest global body for sustainability in tourism, supported by the United Nations.

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Socially fair Compliance with applicable national or industry legislation and International Labour Organisation standards, ensures the best protection and employment conditions for employees. ....less

Hailed as the paradise isle’s number one destination management company and the premier choice amongst travel agents in Sri Lanka, Aitken Spence Travels proudly continues to be a trailblazer in redefining the broad sphere of inbound travel.

Having etched a firm presence in the industry, our steadfast commitment to evolving success has been recognised and rewarded by numerous prestigious accolades and awards. We, here at Aitken Spence Travels, have made it our mission to exceed the expectations of having been acknowledged by both local and international panels,

To date, Aitken Spence Travels remains as the only company to have been presented with Presidential Awards for Best Destination Management Company in Sri Lanka followed by the award for Professional Conference Organiser for three consecutive years. At the fifth Sri Lanka Tourism Awards 2011, the company won the award for Best Tour Operator – Emerging Markets and Best Conference Organiser for the fourth time in its history.

As Sri Lanka’s first travel company to have employed a fully-automated tour operating system as part of its service, Aitken Spence Travels was also the recipient of the ISO 9001 and Green Globe accreditations; the company has been recognised as a carbon neutral organisation while also promoting social responsibility. Further, it was also the first local travel company to have been awarded the prestigious PATA Gold Award.



Presidential Environment Awards 2019 – Merit Award in National Green Reporting System in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Tourism Awards 2018
Winner – Major inbound tour operator – large category
World Travel Awards 2017 – Sri Lanka’s Leading Destination Management Company
ISO 14001:2015 Certification SLSI Standards 2017
Interactive Media Awards 2015 – Best in Class (Travel / Tourism category)
PATA Gold Award 2014 for the innovative ecotourism concept – ‘Elpitiya Plantations Excursions’
Certificate of Merit for Sustainability 2012 / 2013
Silver Award for Sustainability 2012 / 2013
6S & HR Excellence in Office Sector: Runners-up 2012 / 2013
Sri Lankan Airlines Appreciation Award 2013 – Sri Lankan Holidays & Sri Lankan MICE Conference
Bestweb.lk 2012: Aitken Spence Travels – Merit Award (Corporate category)
ISO 9001:2008 Certificate – SGS UK
Carbon Footprint Certificate 2012
Sri Lanka Tourism Awards 2011
Aitken Spence Travels – Best Travel & Tourism Operator (Emerging Market)
Aitken Spence Conventions & Exhibitions – Best Professional Conference Organiser of the Year

Presidential Award for Travel & Tourism 2009
Hall of Fame Award – Aitken Spence Travels
Major Tour and Transport Operators – Inbound
Hall of Fame Award – Ace Travels & Conventions
MICE Tourism: Professional Conference Organiser – Ace Travels & Conventions

Presidential Award for Travel & Tourism 2008
Travel & Tourism Operator: Inbound Tour Operator – Aitken Spence Travels
MICE Operator: Professional Conference Organiser – Ace Travels & Conventions

Presidential Award for Travel & Tourism 2007
Destination Loyal Partner (Local)
Tour Operator – Aitken Spence Travels
Conference Management – Ace Travels & Conventions

Inner Maldives Holidays 2007– In appreciation of five years partnership with Aitken Spence Travels
PATA Gold Award Education & Training Educational Programme 2001
Training and Education through Automation and IS9002 Standards – Aitken Spence Travels

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Human Rights and Child Protection Prevention and reporting procedures are in place to avoid acts of modern slavery and human trafficking, ensuring that children are protected from tourism-related sexual exploitation and all potential forms of abuse. ....less

Cars, vans or any other vehicles transporting tourists should adhere to MOH
recommended guidelines and ensure the number of passengers inside a vehicle
is limited to maintain the recommended safe distancing between seated
passengers; this condition may be relaxed, if one family is traveling together.

The driver, support staff and tourists should disinfectant their footwear prior to
boarding the vehicle and should wear face masks at all times inside the vehicle.

The driver/tour leader should sanitize hands and disinfectant footwear prior to boarding a
vehicle and wearing face masks is compulsory during the journey.

> The driver should strictly refrain from consuming alcohol or smoking during the tour, as
those habits may reduce the immunity of the human body.

> At the end of each day?s tour, the vehicle should be properly cleaned, washed and the
interior should be sanitized using disinfectant liquid
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Empower local communities We support local communities through our operations by buying local products, working with local businesses and hiring locally. ....less

Member of Adventure Travel Trade Association Our mission is to empower the global travel community to protect natural and cultural capital while creating economic value that benefits both trade members and destinations. THE ADVENTURE TRAVEL TRADE ASSOCIATION IS A VITAL LEADERSHIP VOICE AND PARTNER FOR THE ADVENTURE TRAVEL INDUSTRY AROUND THE WORLD. ....less

CSR is doing the right thing, in line with the triple bottom line, namely the three P’s “People, Profit, Planet”. The company has engaged in numerous CSR projects which are also in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals; by providing support to nature protection organisations and/or community development (e.g. infrastructure, education, health, sanitation) or other local/national sustainability initiatives. Also activities are carried out by encouraging staff and/or client donations, including in-kind contributions (e.g. volunteering).

Beach cleaning programs – Complies to SDG 6 & 14
The company conducts an annual beach cleaning programme and community development activity with the collaboration of Turyaa, Kalutara which involves cleaning the coastal area of Kalutara and conducting an open forum with educational presentations for the beach community to enhance their livelihoods. Apart from this programme, Aitken Spence Travels (Pvt) Ltd together with TUI Destination Services organized its own beach cleaning campaign in Ahungalla under the theme “Make Holidays Greener”, as part of TUI Travels PLC’s worldwide series including destinations such as Mexico, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, and The Maldives where the marine environment was to clean both above and below the water. The goal of the campaign was also to raise awareness among citizens and obtain their corporation in caring for the environment and nature, specifically, the pollution of recreation places such as beaches.

Tree planting campaigns – Complies to SDG 13
Aitken Spence Travels (Pvt) Ltd organized a tree planting campaign to populate the
buffer zone of a tank (wewa) in Ibbagamuwa, Kurunegala. The tank is an integral part
of the Deduru Oya catchment and had been subject to pollution from rainwater runoff
as a result of deforestation. As a responsible tourism service provider, the company understood the role these watersheds play in sustaining the social and environmental wellbeing in the region and foresaw initiatives to preserve these water sources as an investment for the future.
Subsequently, the company conducted two tree planting campaigns at the Horana
Spiritual Health Center by planting trees like nendun, halmilla, teak, ahala, mahogany,
madam, maila, kohomba and also fruit plants like mango, rambutan, mandarin, orange,
jak, soursop, beli, star-fruit, lemon, guava, pomegranate and nelli which accounts for
more than 400 plants on land, combined. The trees are expected to serve in reversing
the impact of land degradation and provide food, medicine, energy and income, helping communities to achieve long-term economic and environmental sustainability.
This is in addition to the ecosystem services that these trees provide in purifying the
air, nourishing the soil and curbing soil erosion, and helping to stave off effects of the
climate change. The company also carries out a multitude of tours which contribute to our pledge to support local communities in all areas we operate. Through specially designed
itineraries the locals gain from the tourist and the company can incorporate real ecotourism
into its programs by;

Working with Suppliers of the community to generate employment
Community driven activities – conservation of turtles, flora & fauna etc.
Sports Shoes for Marathon runners – Complies to SDG 3 & 4
ASTL handled a group of 30 marathon runners from Germany who participated in LSR
Colombo Marathon. This was the beginning of a programme to reach out and assist
deserving youth who are into the sport of Marathon running. Identifying a need, ASTL joined hands with the Chief Minister of the Western Province, Hon. Isuru Devapriya’s office. Over 100 youth from the Western Province were identified for a two day residential coaching workshop that covered physical training, motivation, techniques and sportsmanship. ASTL donated 100 pairs of running shoes of top brands including Puma, Nike, Rebook & Adidas to 100 underprivileged marathon athletes ranging from ages 12 to 18. The Ministry of Sports also contributed funds for the Full day Training Programs held on 26th Dec and 27th Dec 2017.

School renovation programme with foreign students – Complies to SDG 4 & 12
In October 2017, with the collaboration of foreign students from Oceanbruch
University, Germany, Aitken Spence Travels conducted a school renovation
programme in Gamunu Maha Vidyalaya, Kotmale. 15 foreign students joined in the
programme and assisted in repairing, painting and in the renovation work of the
school class rooms and common areas. ....less

We have policies and procedures in place to help us work towards a more socially, environmentally and economically sustainable future. Increased transparency and visibility enable travellers to make sustainable holiday choices, creating positive change for people and communities. ....less