Royal Palms Beach Hotel, Kalutara, recognised for outstanding CSR and ESG commitment at SATA 2025

Royal Palms Beach Hotel (RPBH) in Kalutara, Sri Lanka, part of the Tangerine Group of Hotels, stands as a leading example of how hospitality sector can seamlessly integrate with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. The hotel’s operations are guided by a steadfast commitment to community welfare, child development, and environmental conservation: the three core pillars of its CSR strategy. Through this integrated approach, RPBH continues to demonstrate exceptional leadership in sustainable and responsible hospitality. In recognition of its unwavering dedication, Royal Palms Beach Hotel proudly received the Silver Award for the Best Leading CSR Programme at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2025, held on 20 September 2025 at the Cinnamon Grand, Colombo. The hotel has been continuously recognised by SATA since 2016, reaffirming its long-term dedication to social and environmental excellence. This latest accolade highlights RPBH’s ongoing mission to create a meaningful and lasting impact across communities and ecosystems in Sri Lanka.

The hotel’s CSR vision is built around three focus areas: Children, Community, and Environment. Under the Children’s Development initiative, RPBH provides continuous support through donations of school uniforms, books, event sponsorships, and educational trips for children at The Village Learning Tree Preschool, as well as assistance for the Sukitha Children’s Orphanage. The hotel also organises educational awareness programmes and guided visits for numerous schools, especially within the Kalutara District, as well as for hotel school students, and supports university groups in their research, promoting awareness of sustainability and career opportunities in the hospitality industry. Through its Community Empowerment initiatives, the hotel has implemented several long-term and short-term programmes aimed at enhancing local livelihoods and promoting inclusive growth. These include contributions to the Kalutara North Railway Upgrading Project, continuous support for Nagoda General Hospital, and empowering small- and medium-scale entrepreneurs in the Millaniya village by providing opportunities to sell their products within the hotel premises. Additionally, the hotel organises re-gifting initiatives benefiting hospitals, elders’ homes, prison inmates, and religious institutions, further strengthening social well-being at the community level. A unique highlight of RPBH’s community strategy is its effort to promote Kalutara City as a sustainable tourism destination. The hotel supports tuk-tuk drivers from nearby villages by organising Kalutara City Tours, encouraging them to showcase local attractions and benefit from responsible tourism. To enhance visibility and community income, the hotel also promotes Kalutara through professionally produced video clips and leaflets that highlight cultural landmarks, artisanal crafts, and nature-based experiences. These actions directly contribute to community upliftment while reinforcing destination branding for the region.

Environmental stewardship remains a cornerstone of RPBH’s operations. The hotel has implemented extensive initiatives including awareness campaigns on Beating Plastic Pollution for school principals and student leaders from 25 selected schools in Kalutara during World Environment Day, large-scale beach and railway clean-ups in collaboration with the Clean Sri Lanka Project, and continuous tree-planting and biodiversity conservation programmes. The hotel also maintains strong commitments to waste segregation, plastic reduction, and energy and water conservation. Through its signature Green Culture programme, both staff and guests are encouraged to engage actively in eco-friendly practices, reinforcing sustainability as a shared responsibility. Beyond SATA recognition, Royal Palms Beach Hotel has earned numerous national and international accolades for its excellence in sustainability, hospitality, and guest experience: Awards and Achievements (2024/25): National Business Excellency Awards – Winner 2024 (Hospitality & Tourism Sector), Sri Lanka Tourism Awards – Co-Winner 2024 (Best Sustainable Practices in Hotels), ICSG Global Sustainability Awards – Gold Award Winner 2024 (Hotel Sector), HolidayCheck Gold Award 2024  – Recognised for Excellence in Guest Satisfaction, Booking.com Traveller Review Awards 2024 – Score: 8.1/10, Travelife Gold Award 2024–2026 – Best Sustainability Practices, LOWA Sustainability Awards 2024 – Winner (Medium & Large Enterprises, Sri Lanka), HolidayCheck Gold Award 2025 – Only Gold Award Recipient in Sri Lanka (Rating: 5.5/6), National Business Excellency Awards 2025 – Merit Award (Hospitality & Tourism Sector).

The recognition at SATA 2025 highlights Royal Palms Beach Hotel’s holistic and long-standing commitment to sustainability, social progress, and ethical governance. The management extended sincere appreciation to all employees, guests, and community partners whose continued support and collaboration made this achievement possible. As a flagship property of the Tangerine Group, Royal Palms Beach Hotel continues to exemplify how premium hospitality can coexist harmoniously with sustainability reflecting a deep respect for people, the community, and the planet. Visitors are encouraged to experience not just a stay, but a journey into responsible hospitality where comfort, sustainability, and social impact come together to create a meaningful and memorable experience.