Luxury DMC based in Sri Lanka
Established in 2013, Authenticities Sri Lanka began with a small team of passionate and committed individuals. Over a decade later, the company has transformed into a well-regarded boutique Destination Management Company (DMC). Authenticities Sri Lanka is renowned for its focus on emotional connection, sophisticated design, exquisite detail, and a strong commitment to sustainable tourism practices. Conceived as a high-end, boutique destination management company (DMC) in the vibrant city of Colombo, Sri Lanka, the founders had a distinct vision from the start: to deliver custom-tailored travel experiences that go beyond ordinary tourist activities, highlighting profound emotional, cultural, and indigenous engagements with the rich tapestry of Sri Lankan life.
This vision translates into travel experiences crafted to deepen understanding and appreciation of Sri Lanka’s culture, history, and natural splendour. Instead of just visiting popular attractions, travellers are invited to immerse themselves in the local lifestyle. Clients might find themselves exploring the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura with a knowledgeable local guide sharing stories passed down through generations or visiting a traditional village where they can partake in timeless crafts and rituals.
Authenticities aspires to go beyond typical tourist activities and integrate travel concepts to local lifestyles and cultural elements. To give travellers the opportunity to engage and interact with our people, culture and heritage and experience Sri Lanka in a manner which is authentic and indigenous. As an island, we have identified each region of Sri Lanka to be unique and diverse through its culture, landscape, architecture, cuisine, and people. Authenticities Sri Lanka represents a brand, which is vibrant and has evolved through careful deliberation on how we could introduce authentic experiences and emotion. So, it isn’t a surprise that authenticity is at the heart of everything we do.
The company’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its innovative initiatives, such as supporting local artisans, promoting fair trade, and fostering community-based tourism projects that empower residents and preserve cultural heritage. By doing so, Authenticities Sri Lanka not only enhances the visitor experience but also contributes positively to the socio-economic development of the regions they operate in. Through these bespoke travel offerings, Authenticities ensures that every journey is not just a trip, but a meaningful adventure that leaves a lasting impact on both the traveller and the host community.
Unique Approach, Values & Travel Philosophy
Authenticities passionately champions travel that is meaningful, ethical, and immersive, focused on emotional storytelling and human connection. The philosophy harmoniously integrates the following fundamentals: Design, Novelty, Finesse, Goodness, & Conserve ensuring every itinerary radiates beauty, originality, sophistication, and a positive impact on the community. Their primary objective is to craft unique travel experiences that go beyond standard tourist paths, immersing travellers in the rich fabric of local culture, historical heritage, untouched nature, and dynamic community life, all infused with emotional depth and authenticity.
Their vision extends beyond simply highlighting Sri Lanka’s famous beaches and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Rather, they emphasize the country’s lesser-celebrated marvels, honouring its regional diversity through art, architecture, and grassroots culture. This is accomplished by partnering with local communities and regional specialists, revealing the island’s concealed treasures. Authenticities is celebrated for nurturing strong partnerships boutique hotels and private villas throughout the island, ensuring each that each journey is not only unforgettable for travellers but also beneficial to local communities.
In essence, Authenticities Sri Lanka aim to curate experiences that are unique and original. The element of “Design” is significant in our process as we propose and execute ideas in bringing a concept to life. By meticulously curating luxury travel experiences, characterized by cultural authenticity, sustainable practices, and personalized storytelling. Experiences that allow discerning travellers eager to uncover the true essence of Sri Lanka, an island teeming with biodiversity, rich cultural heritage, and deep community ties. By fostering these intimate connections, Authenticities enriches the travel experience, making every journey a meaningful exploration of the island’s soul.
Authenticities collaborates with handpicked local partners, crucial in providing their offerings, to ensure authenticity and dependable service. This partnership guarantees your clients receive sincere and reliable experiences. Authenticities excels in crafting tailor-made FIT itineraries that are thoughtfully designed for solo traveller, couples, families, multi-gen, or small groups seeking distinctive and personalised adventures. By focusing on cultural immersion and authentic interactions, the organization ensures that travellers not only visit locations but also connect with the essence of the destinations.
Sustainability
Sustainability-focused wildlife safaris offer unforgettable opportunities to witness the majestic presence of elephants and the stealthy grace of leopards in their natural habitats. These journeys are enriched by birdwatching activities, sea explorations, and excursions into untouched wilderness areas, offering a comprehensive appreciation of nature’s beauty. Such activities are delivered with a commitment to ethical standards and sustainable practices, often in partnership with respected conservationists and experienced naturalists, ensuring that the environment is preserved for future generations while providing enriching experiences.
Emphasizing a sustainability-driven approach, Authenticities has launched the initiative known as Renew, the initiative places a strong emphasis on eco-friendly travel by advocating for low-emission transportation methods, such as trains or bicycles, and discouraging the use of single-use plastics. This program also focuses on uplifting local communities by fostering economic opportunities and promoting social welfare. Under the leadership of Madara Kulatunga, Renew by Authenticities advances travel experiences that are environmentally conscious, offering wildlife tours and nature-based activities that leave a minimal carbon footprint. These experiences are crafted in close collaboration with local experts, ensuring authenticity and respect for nature.
In line with its overarching Responsible & Ethical Travel Policy, known as “TravSafe”, Authenticities takes a firm stance against practices that exploit or harm wildlife. This policy explicitly bans activities including elephant rides and interactions with animals that could be detrimental to their wellbeing. It also discourages the purchase of souvenirs made from endangered species. The policy encourages reducing plastic usage, implementing effective waste management, and forming partnerships with suppliers who share a commitment to environmental responsibility. Additionally, it promotes observing wildlife from respectful distances and refrains from supporting attractions involving captive animals, unless these activities are part of legitimate conservation efforts like rescue and rehabilitation programs.
Expert Team & Partnerships
Authenticities are the only DMC in Sri Lanka, with regional offices outside of Colombo, with regional specialists are locals who possess an intimate understanding of the land, its traditions, and the cultural nuances that make each area unique. With a deep-rooted connection to their surroundings, these experts foster and nurture relationships within the community, ensuring that travellers contribute positively and that the benefits flow directly to the regions they explore. Authenticities collaborates with a carefully curated selection of local suppliers, guides, artisans, and boutique properties to offer experiences that are not only unique but also culturally significant.
For instance, when partnering with local artisans, Authenticities ensures that the craftsmanship and heritage of the community are showcased, allowing travellers to appreciate the skills passed down through generations & support local economies.
Guides, often native to the region, provide invaluable perspectives that extend beyond mere sightseeing. They share narratives and histories that bring landmarks and landscapes to life, offering travellers a deeper understanding of the places they visit. This approach not only enriches the travel experience but also promotes sustainable tourism by respecting and preserving the cultural and natural resources of the area.
By ensuring that every partnership is carefully vetted, Authenticities guarantees that travellers receive authentic, enriching experiences that honour the diverse cultures and traditions of the region. This commitment to cultural integrity and sustainability is at the heart of their mission, creating a travel experience that is both meaningful and respectful to the communities involved.
Sri Lanka, though modest in size, is a treasure trove of cultural and natural wonders, boasting at least eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites that draw travellers from around the globe. Authenticities creates meticulously crafted itineraries that highlight the island’s diverse and stunning landscapes. These tours encompass the enchanting coastal cities, such as the fortress city of Galle, known for its Dutch colonial architecture and rich history, and the bustling fishing town of Negombo, famous for its sandy beaches and vibrant fish market. Journeying into the verdant highlands, travellers are treated to the serene beauty of Kandy, a city revered for the Temple of the Tooth, a sacred site for Buddhists. The majestic Adam’s Peak, a significant pilgrimage site for followers of multiple religious traditions, offers breathtaking vistas and spiritual enrichment, also venturing into the wilderness of renowned national parks like Yala, Wilpattu & Udawalawe, where travellers can witness the rich biodiversity, including elephants, leopards, and a plethora of bird species. The journey is further enriched by the island’s culinary offerings, celebrated for their unique blend of spices and flavours, providing a delicious introduction to Sri Lankan cuisine.
Authenticities specialises in luxury travel but can also assist with those clients after a boutique 4-star itinerary, with a 24-48 hour turnaround on FIT quotes, available in USD & can accept credit card payment with no fee. Authenticities can also assist luxury travel advisors and niche tour operators with groups.
Contact Authenticities for client proposals via Journeys Representation.
Contact: enquiries@journeysrepresentation.com
The key feature of Authenticities’s focus is not on selling holidays. It is based on creating travel experiences through elements of emotion. Our segments of clients are intellectual, mature and expect the little details and perfection. We believe that their choice of travel to Sri Lanka is based on their want to experience Sri Lanka in its raw form. Here is a closer look at how we choose to do so.
Unique & Authentic
Each element of “emotion” needs to be unique yet authentic and motivating us to keep on discovering and introducing new experiences.
Discovery & Introspection
We believe that self-discovery is the purest form of wanderlust. It is what makes travellers form their own version of meanings through discovery of unique culture and lifestyles.
Engaging & Interactive
We want our clients to interact and engage with local people and communities in order to understand the underlying feelings and way of life.
Surprising & Rewarding
The element of surprise is key. Through our meticulous profiling of your background and expectations, unique experience programmes that are a best fit to you.