Jetwing Vil Uyana, A Luxury Reserve, has been awarded the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Gold Award 2026 in the Ecosystem and Wildlife Conservation Initiative category. The property is the only Sri Lankan hospitality brand to receive a PATA Gold Award this year. The recognition marks Jetwing Vil Uyana’s third PATA Gold Award and highlights the property’s long-standing commitment to responsible tourism and environmental conservation.

Located within Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, near the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Jetwing Vil Uyana has gained international recognition for transforming a once-degraded agricultural landscape into a thriving wetland ecosystem. Since opening in 2006, the 28-acre resort has combined luxury hospitality with environmental stewardship, creating habitats that support biodiversity while also strengthening local water resilience.

Commenting on the achievement, Hashan Cooray, Director of Marketing and Development at Jetwing Hotels, said, “At Jetwing Hotels, sustainability is measured not only by the initiatives we implement today, but by the positive impact they create over time. The biodiversity gains recorded at Jetwing Vil Uyana over the past two decades demonstrate what can be achieved through long-term commitment, innovation, and responsible tourism. We are humbled to see these efforts recognised through a respected platform such as the PATA Gold Awards.”

A key factor behind the award was the property’s measurable conservation success. Independent biodiversity assessments conducted 20 years apart showed significant increases in species diversity across the site. A baseline study carried out in 2005 was replicated in 2025 by a research team from the University of Colombo. The findings highlighted strong growth in plant, bird, reptile, amphibian and fish populations across the restored ecosystem.

Jetwing Vil Uyana has also become one of Sri Lanka’s notable locations for observing the threatened grey slender loris. To support its conservation, three acres of the property have been dedicated as a loris conservation site. The area is supported by an information centre focused on habitat preservation and public awareness.

Beyond biodiversity conservation, the resort’s interconnected lakes and waterways also contribute to local water security. The system harvests rainwater, helps replenish groundwater reserves and supports surrounding agricultural communities. Inspired by Sri Lanka’s ancient cascade irrigation systems, these restored habitats continue to provide environmental benefits while helping strengthen climate resilience.

Since its inception in 1984, the PATA Gold Awards have recognised innovation, sustainability and the role of tourism as a force for good. The awards cover a wide range of areas, including destination and industry marketing, emerging technology, climate action, conservation, human capital development, community-based tourism, inclusivity, and youth and women empowerment.

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid said, “The PATA Gold Awards continue to shine a light on the creativity, innovation and commitment shaping a stronger and more sustainable tourism industry. This year’s submissions were among the strongest we have seen, reflecting the remarkable efforts of PATA members and the wider industry in pursuing excellence. The winning entries show how bold ideas can create lasting impact, from innovative marketing and emerging technologies to conservation, climate action, inclusion and community empowerment. They set new benchmarks for excellence and demonstrate tourism’s potential as a force for positive change.”

With a legacy spanning more than half a century in the tourism industry, Jetwing Hotels has established itself as a pioneer in creating distinctive travel experiences while showcasing the warmth of Sri Lankan hospitality.

Guided by its core values of passion, humility, tenacity and family, the family-owned brand has continued to focus on sustainability and responsible tourism. Its initiatives cover community empowerment, environmental stewardship and resource efficiency, with an aim to ensure that its growth remains rooted in purpose.

Today, Jetwing operates more than 35 properties across Sri Lanka, with a portfolio that includes Luxury Reserves, Premium Hotels, Select Hotels and Essentials. Each property offers guests a different way to experience Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, natural landscapes and local character.

The PATA Gold Award for Jetwing Vil Uyana adds another international recognition to the property’s journey, showing how hospitality can play a role in restoring ecosystems, supporting communities and creating lasting environmental value.