• Rapid Adventures founder and CEO Chathuranga Madurawala on what 2025 has in store for the industry

Sri Lanka’s path to economic recovery has been reliant on the tourism industry, with various initiatives taken to attract travellers to the island. The Government’s goal is to generate $ 5 billion in tourism revenue this year, which can be considered ambitious since the Central Bank of Sri Lanka recorded $ 2.8 billion in tourism revenue from January to November 2024.

With a goal set for the industry, stakeholders are taking different approaches to tourism, focusing on various sectors, such as wildlife, business, and medical. Rapid Adventures, a venture that has received recognition locally and internationally, embraces the spirit of exploration, pushing boundaries in tourism and offering travellers an exciting but smooth experience.

In conversation with The Daily Morning, Rapid Adventures founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Chathuranga Madurawala spoke about what led to the establishment of Rapid Adventures, sharing that it all began when he was a scout, during which he shined as a President’s Award winner. He found it challenging to plan outdoor excursions, as it required meticulous planning, safety checks, and creativity. Realising that not many had the expertise or time to plan such activities inspired him to create a platform that simplified the process, making adventure accessible to anyone.

“My adventure started in scouting, where I learned to respect nature, teamwork, and the thrill of the unknown. Fast forward to today, and I’ve combined my passion for nature and tech to create Rapid Adventures – a brand that’s all about pushing boundaries and embracing the spirit of exploration, a company that embodies the spirit of exploration while embracing technological innovation,” he said.

Madurawala added: “We’ve grown into one of Sri Lanka’s leading adventure service providers, offering travellers thrilling experiences that connect them to the heart of our beautiful island.”

He went on to share details about Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, how Rapid Adventures approaches travel for local tourists versus foreigners, and their plans for 2025.

Following are excerpts from the interview:

What led to the establishment of Rapid Adventures? What kind of services do you offer?

The idea for Rapid Adventures came from my scouting days, where planning outdoor excursions wasn’t just a passion but often a real ‘pain’ – it required meticulous planning, safety checks, and creativity. I realised many people lacked the time or expertise to organise such experiences themselves.

With my love for tech, I envisioned a platform that would simplify this process and make adventure accessible to everyone. Today, we offer air, land, water, and underground experiences, alongside carefully curated accommodations and self-ride rentals.

Rapid Adventures has been recognised for its efforts in promoting tourism locally and internationally. How does this recognition make you feel?

Winning gold at the South Asian Travel Awards for three consecutive years and being named Sri Lanka’s Most Popular Travel and Tourism Website for four years in a row has been both humbling and motivating. These achievements are not just a reflection of hard work and dedication, but also a testament to the support and trust of the people who believe in what we do.

These awards highlight our commitment to excellence and our ability to make a lasting impact on the tourism industry. They’ve also amplified our reach, helping us establish a reputation not just locally but on the international stage.

You offer different tours through Rapid Adventures. How do you select locations and design tours to ensure a client’s satisfaction and safety?

Safety and satisfaction are at the core of everything we do. We select locations-based on their natural beauty, adventure potential, and safety standards. For some experiences, our in-house travel designers team manages every detail, while others are entrusted to professional, carefully vetted partners who share our commitment to quality.

This approach ensures every tour we offer is not just thrilling but also safe, reliable, and memorable.

What are some of the most popular tours or locations among travellers?

Kitulgala’s white-water rafting and canyoning adventures are consistently a favourite, while Meemure’s untouched natural beauty draws those looking for a peaceful retreat. Tuk-tuk self-ride rentals have also become a hit among foreigners, allowing them to explore Sri Lanka at their own pace while embracing its unique culture.

How do you give your clients the perfect adventure, especially taking into account if they are locals or foreigners?

Understanding our clients is key. For foreigners, we focus on immersion – introducing them to Sri Lanka’s culture, cuisine, and untouched landscapes. For locals, we emphasise convenience and value, offering exciting rediscovery journeys. Every adventure is tailored to the traveller’s needs, whether it’s a tranquil glamping experience or a high-adrenaline activity.

Are there different factors you need to take into account when dealing with local travellers versus foreign travellers?

Absolutely. Foreign travellers often prioritise cultural insights and need guidance for a seamless experience. Local travellers, on the other hand, tend to focus on value for money and prefer trips that are easier to plan and closer to home. We cater to these differences by customising our offerings, ensuring everyone gets a tailored adventure that exceeds their expectations.

What kind of challenges do you face in planning tours? How do you overcome them?

Weather unpredictability is a constant challenge, but we mitigate it by staying adaptable and maintaining strong communication with clients. We prioritise direct bookings through our platform and work only with few quality travel agencies. By staying true to our principles, we ensure safety, transparency, and a superior customer experience.

What does 2025 look like for tourism? Are you optimistic about the year?

The year 2025 feels like a turning point for tourism in Sri Lanka. With new Government initiatives and investment opportunities, the sector is poised for significant growth. Recent months have already shown record-breaking tourist arrivals, and we’re optimistic that this momentum will continue.

Are there any areas you would like to see improvement in, whether in terms of maintenance of tourist attractions or the standard of accommodation?

Nature-themed accommodations, such as camping and glamping, are in high demand but limited in supply. Increased investment in this area could help address pricing challenges and attract more travellers. Additionally, better maintenance of tourist attractions, improved accessibility, and a focus on eco-friendly practices would go a long way in elevating Sri Lanka’s tourism appeal.

Do you have plans to expand Rapid Adventures in 2025?

Yes, we have big plans for 2025! We’ll be launching a cutting-edge web platform this summer, coinciding with our ninth anniversary. This platform will allow travellers to book experiences, stays, and self-rides with ease, and solo travellers will have the option to join group tours to share costs.

It’s part of our vision to redefine adventure tourism and continue making Sri Lanka the ultimate destination for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. I’ll be sharing more details soon, but for now, I can say that this website will provide a safe and affordable opportunity for solo travellers as well as group travellers to explore Sri Lanka with ease and confidence.