Today sees the re-launch of our Ethical Tourism Campaign, #ThinkAgain.
Please have a look and then share it with your friends.
This is an initiative we first unveiled in late 2012 to help tourists better understand the ethical risks involved in going on holiday to Sri Lanka and to offer advice on how to manage them. As you may know, that campaign featured a lengthy list of companies to avoid – that is, airlines, hotels, restaurants, and cafes that were owned, or linked to, known human rights abusers in the country.
Our latest research adds 15 new companies of concern to the list, bringing it to a total of 41. We believe that we have only captured the tip of the iceberg, but the findings are consistent with our view of a Sri Lanka that is both increasingly militarized and run by a regime that is abusing its power for profit.
To help you navigate this picture, and to ensure that the money you spend in Sri Lanka does not end up financially benefiting war criminals, we have now put together a handy interactive map featuring the companies of concern:
…and an infographic explaining the relationship:
We have also added some new tips on ethical alternatives as well as a page of advice on visiting the North.
Our key message to those going on holiday to Sri Lanka is to know the risks and to make an informed choice. Given the very disturbing human rights situation there, we don’t think anyone should make the decision to visit lightly. The aim of this site is therefore to help prospective travelers understand the potential negative and positive impacts, and how with careful thought and planning, they can be better managed. So if you know someone planning a holiday to Sri Lanka, share it with them today.
On social media? Please tweet and facebook the link. And please consider donating to help us meet the costs of running the campaign.