Implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) with funding form the BMZ (Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development), the program offered learning new skills, adapting to a more resilient business model and the unique opportunity to secure seed money for capacity development. The selected SME developed small-scale business and financial plans, and professional portfolios to attract investors. They improved their ability to access and approach funding opportunities. They increased their chances of success, in developing their business models and products, to improve their sustainable unique selling points. As well as upgrading their marketing skills.
Good Life X
Enterprise Evolver
Rooting for purpose driven change, one company at a time
Sector
Tourism
Gearing up for more conscious travel and creating a more sustainable Sri Lanka
Duration
6 months
October 2020 to April 2021 for 15 selected SME in Sri Lanka
Expert Hours
1,186hrs
A team of cross functional experts came together to create innovative interventions in the travel and tourism sector
Seed funding
5.2M
5.2 Million LKR of seed capital for developing and strengthening their businesses for upcoming travel
GLX in motion
Get to know our evolvers better!
10 companies who are shifting the needle in their own way to #scalethegood
Participants
Meet the 10 Sri Lankan travel and tourism companies that embraced change amidst the pandemic and made themselves future ready
Foozoo
A collection of holistic healing experiences, that are curated for your health and well-being. From cosy and homely accommodation options, healing by food, therapeutic practices like sound healing, song circles and ecstatic dance.
The Island Story
An ethical and purpose-driven travel company, who specializes in meaningful & memorable journeys that are carefully curated to transform both the traveler's and the local community's lives. A percentage of every booking made goes towards their own community programs that actively support single and marginalized moms on low-income, daily-wage workers and the homeless in Colombo.
Ceylon Food Trails
An experience provider, specializing in providing authentic and cultural Sri Lankan lifestyle experiences based in unique locations around Sri Lanka using food trails, indigenous & unique heirloom food and the traditional Sri Lankan way of healthy living.
Minara Bopathella
Located in a serene setting, overlooking the famous Bopath Ella Waterfall, offering you Peace, Solace and Tranquility for a rejuvenating experience of country living with luxury comforts.
The Backwater Lodge
A fusion of harmony with the environment, luxury and simplicity with modern comforts to provide a unique experience of being in a jungle, situated alongside the Uppu Aru next to the Western entrance of the Wilpattu National Wildlife Park. The lodge is built around upcycling items that would usually end up in a junkyard.
Tara Watergate Hotel
Provides comfortable, safe, secure, elegant and spacious accommodation by the Tissamaharama lake. Specializing in local cuisine, amidst tranquil settings and wild life with a picturesque infinity pool overlooking the lake.
Wayfarers
A Sri Lankan DMC operating since 1976 providing tourists with accommodation, transport and guiding services, and excursions. They specialize in small group experiential holidays as well as a tailor-made segment with a focus on catering to each customer’s specific travel taste and requirements.
Lavanga Resort & Spa
A family-owned business in Hikkaduwa, consisting of 60 rooms and a 400 seating banquet along with a cinema, library and a gymnasium beside a unique and peaceful beach. The word Lavanga means the bud of a cinnamon flower in old Sinhalese language.
THE BAY
A 22 room hotel located on the beach in Arugam Bay with Asian fusion restaurant and bar and a swimming pool. Offers wildlife safaris to the Kumana National Park, historical temples and surfing experiences.
Yuhibuhi
A range of forest bungalows with eco-friendly accommodations and each space ensures the guests a comfortable stay without depleting the planet's resources. The company commits itself to only sustainable actions, like tree planting instead of cutting, the usage of organic fertilizers, reduction of single use plastic, its own composting mechanism and supporting the local community.
Cinnamon Trails Hikkaduwa
The colonial bungalow is a unique travel destination situated on a 10 acre land with coconut, rubber, cinnamon and various other fruits and flower plantations.
Angels are Always Welcome
A unique boutique hotel located in the center of Trincomalee, Sri Lanka offering healthy and organic cuisine with vegan and vegetarian specialities, calming yoga and meditation retreats. It stands out through its upcycled decoration and the sales of clothes and items produced by a women’s support group.
Tour Blue
Focused on creating and facilitating sustainable and innovative travel experiences for the discerning traveler since more than 30 years. A multi lingual, multi-national, and multi ethnic team from diverse backgrounds.
Paradise Holidays
An eco adventure tourism and destination management company, operating in Sri Lanka as a certified member of the ATR and a supporter of World Responsible Tourism. Founded in 1985, they are experts in creating adventure tours in Sri Lanka for independent travelers and families.
Edlee Tours & Travels
A holiday company in Sri Lanka providing unforgettable and creative experiences with the highest standards in customer care and services, unique quality of travel and tour solutions. Redefining the travel arrangement process in order to give every tourist the most beautiful memories with us and the people of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka’s agri-food startups have what global markets need; GLX is here to help get them there
27 January 2021
As the world trends on urbanisation and nutrition, shifting gears with the new realities presented to us...
“ When we started 6.5 months ago, most of us had the impression it’s a funding thing. But we had no idea it was such a priceless chance. Now I feel funding is such a small part we received from GLX. But especially the training [...] and webinars are much more important and deep than the funding.“
Sri Lanka
Asantha
“On 9th November 2020 we were smiling with new hopes. We got the email that we were selected for the GLX Enterprise Evolver programme. [...] Everything happened so quickly and we were more excited now. [Our coach] always guided us to select the best we needed at the moment [and] to take the correct decision. [We] utilized our funds in the best possible way [to] benefit in future. [It was the] first time we created our company description with 25 words. Which is amazing. [...] We learnt a lot [about] how important branding is and how to do it. Then came mastering [presenting] our unique selling points. Thank you, GLX!“
