Local Impact, Global Responsibility

In this thought-provoking episode of Balancing Tourism, Ged Brown speaks with Chalana Perera, founder of Retrace Hospitality and a champion of regenerative tourism in Sri Lanka. Together, they explore the complexities of balancing tourism's economic benefits with its social and environmental costs.

Chalana shares a candid perspective on Sri Lanka’s rapid tourism recovery post-pandemic and highlights the challenges of mass tourism, including its impact on local communities, ecological sensitivity, and land management. The conversation delves into pressing global issues such as over-tourism, income disparity in travel, and the untapped potential of sustainable tourism models.

Key discussion points include:

• The role of governments in managing tourism sustainably.
• How local communities can benefit from tourism without losing cultural identity.
• The concept of regenerative tourism and its application in Sri Lanka.
• The global imbalance in travel accessibility and the impact of "passport privilege."

This episode is a must-listen for tourism professionals and anyone passionate about creating a more equitable and sustainable future for travel.

Learn more about Chalana’s work at Retrace Hospitality.

Join the conversation and help us redefine tourism for a better tomorrow.