Prakriti Resort and Organic Farm, located in Haibung-3 of Melamchi Municipality in Sindhupalchok, has been awarded the prestigious Travelife Certification from the United Kingdom for its significant contribution to sustainable tourism. The recognition was formally announced during a special event held on Tuesday at the Nepal Tourism Board’s auditorium in Kathmandu. This certification highlights the resort’s commitment to eco-friendly infrastructure development, organic farming, zero waste management, and inclusive community engagement.
Commitment to 143 Global Sustainability Standards
According to Arun Shrestha, Managing Director of Prakriti Resort, the certification was granted after the resort successfully met 143 criteria based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These benchmarks assess various aspects of environmental responsibility, social inclusion, cultural preservation, and economic viability in the tourism sector.
Shrestha emphasized that the recognition serves as a validation of the resort’s long-term sustainable practices and provides motivation to develop positive trends in Nepal’s tourism industry. “This achievement gives credibility to our continuous sustainable efforts and also inspires the broader tourism sector in Nepal to adopt environmentally responsible practices,” he stated.
Boosting Nepal’s Global Image as a Climate-Friendly Destination
Shrestha further added that the Travelife certification will help position Nepal as a responsible and climate-friendly destination in the global travel market. “With this international recognition, we can now showcase Nepal as a destination that prioritizes sustainability and climate awareness, which is increasingly important to global travelers,” he said.
The certification not only enhances the resort’s credibility but also aligns with Nepal’s broader goals of promoting eco-tourism and achieving sustainability in the travel sector. As the demand for ethical and green tourism continues to rise, such achievements highlight the potential of Nepali enterprises to meet international standards.
Inspiration for the Broader Tourism Industry
Sunil Sharma, Acting Director of the Nepal Tourism Board, acknowledged the broader significance of this certification for Nepal’s tourism industry. He remarked that such international recognition encourages other hotels and resorts in the country to follow similar sustainable practices. “Certifications like these promote sustainable operations in tourism. True sustainable tourism is only possible when local communities are actively involved in the process,” Sharma said during the program.
Sharma also pointed out that international sustainability certifications add considerable value by ensuring transparency and trustworthiness, which can attract environmentally-conscious travelers from around the world.
Paving the Way for Eco-Tourism in Nepal
In the same program, Binayak Shah, President of the Hotel Association Nepal (HAN), applauded the resort’s achievement and said it supports the growing global trend toward green tourism. “The future of tourism lies in eco-friendly and sustainable travel. This milestone will certainly contribute to the development of eco-tourism in Nepal,” Shah remarked.
Shah emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders to promote sustainability and stressed that this certification sets a new benchmark for other hospitality businesses in the country.
Group Discussions on Future Sustainability Strategies
The event also featured group discussions focused on the concept, strategy, and future planning of sustainable tourism in Nepal. Experts, stakeholders, and industry representatives exchanged ideas on how to integrate sustainable practices more deeply into tourism operations. Discussions centered around minimizing environmental footprints, engaging local communities, preserving natural resources, and building resilient tourism infrastructures.
The overall event signified a major step forward in acknowledging and celebrating Nepal’s efforts in sustainable tourism. Prakriti Resort and Organic Farm’s Travelife certification stands as a model example of how tourism enterprises in developing nations can adhere to international sustainability standards while benefiting the local economy and environment.
