Video: The Seal Initiative Supports a Booming Tourism Industry in Sri Lanka While Reducing Business Risks

Sri Lanka is a stunning tourist destination. It offers a rich blend of gorgeous beaches, lush landscapes, vibrant culture and ancient heritage, all on one island. But a truly valuable travel experience is one where you know that your journey supports the people who call it home. That’s the goal of the Mother and Child-Friendly Seal for Responsible Business, an initiative helping tourism businesses create safer, more supportive environments for children, families and communities.

Developed by The Centre for Child Rights and Business Sri Lanka in collaboration with tourism leaders, the Seal is a practical, transparent framework designed specifically for the tourism sector. It recognises businesses that take continuous, meaningful action in five key areas: management systems, staff capacity, community engagement, ethical supply chain practices, and positive social impact.

This comes at a key time. As Sri Lanka’s tourism industry booms, so do the risks, especially in informal accommodation settings where child labour, abuse and exploitation have been documented. Gaps in safeguarding, accountability and human rights due diligence are widespread. The Seal helps close these gaps by giving businesses a clear path to act responsibly and be recognised for it. Just like the Mother and Child-Friendly Seal for Responsible Business in the tea industry, tourism industry members who successfully complete a two-year cycle are awarded the Seal.

Launched on World Tourism Day 2024, the Seal is open to hotels, guesthouses, homestays, global tour operators, and travel and booking companies. It is designed for those who want to invest in meaningful and risk-based human rights due diligence and contribute to delivering significant value to both travellers and locals.

Our short animation video brings the Seal’s vision to life and explains how it works. Watch it to see how investing in human rights is good for people and business. Contact us to learn how you can get involved.