Thema Collection received two Gold distinctions and one Nature Positive recognition at BLTM, Delhi. Amba Yaalu Kandalama and Wild Glamping Gal Oya have qualified for the 2026 Global Responsible Tourism Awards, with the winners to be announced in London.

Thema Collection, Sri Lanka, has received three prestigious recognitions at the 2026 ICRT Indian Subcontinent Responsible Tourism highlighting its Awards, commitment to responsible tourism and its efforts to create meaningful environmental, social and economic hospitality.

Organised by the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT) Indian Subcontinent, the awards recognise organisations across India, Sri Lanka and Nepal that are taking responsibility for the impacts of tourism and demonstrating how tourism can create local economic opportunities, support inclusion, protect and restore nature, strengthen cultural identity and help destinations adapt to climate change.

Thema Collection was recognised in three categories: Gold – Regenerative Responsible Tourism: Wild Glamping Gal Oya Gold – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Amba Yaalu – Kandalama One to Watch – Nature Positive: Ayurvie Weligama.

The awards ceremony was graced by Shri Suman Billa, Additional Secretary & Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, as the Chief Guest, and Ms. Kanta Singh, Deputy Country Representative, UN Women India, as the Guest of Honour.

The awards were received at BLTM, New Delhi by Chandra Wickramasinghe, Chairman of Thema Collection, recognising the collective efforts of the teams and partners behind the group’s responsible tourism initiatives.

At Wild Glamping Gal Oya, tourism has been thoughtfully integrated into a working agricultural landscape, transforming a former chena cultivation area into a low-impact tourism experience centred around organic farming, nature and community. The property works closely with local guides, farmers, artisans and the Rathugala Vedda community, creating opportunities for livelihoods while encouraging the protection and regeneration of the surrounding ecosystem.

Amba Yaalu – Kandalama, Sri Lanka’s first hotel led by 100% women, was recognised in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion category for placing women’s empowerment at the centre of its operations. From leadership and hospitality to maintenance and its wider supply chain, the property creates opportunities for women and fosters an inclusive and supportive working environment.

At Ayurvie Weligama, wellness extends beyond the guest experience to encompass a broader commitment to responsible hospitality. The retreat incorporates local sourcing, renewable energy, water conservation and community engagement, alongside efforts to enhance biodiversity through native and climate-resilient planting.

Speaking on the recognitions, Chandra Wickramasinghe, Chairman of Thema Collection, said:

“We are honoured and privileged to receive these recognitions from ICRT. For us, responsible tourism is about creating meaningful experiences for our guests while also doing something positive for the people and places around us. These awards are a wonderful recognition of the commitment of our teams and our partners, and they encourage us to keep doing better.”

The recognition of Wild Glamping Gal Oya and Amba Yaalu – Kandalama at the Indian Subcontinent level also marks their qualification for the 2026 Global Responsible Tourism Awards, where they will compete alongside leading responsible tourism initiatives from around the world. The global winners will be announced in London in November 2026.

For Thema Collection, these recognitions reinforce a philosophy of hospitality that seeks to go beyond minimising impact, to actively contribute to the wellbeing of people, communities and the natural landscapes in which its properties are located.