About StaySprout

Why I am exploring agri-tourism in Sri Lanka

My name is Jomiene Galstaun and with my background in China studies and anthropology, I have always been curious about how people, the economy, and nature intersect. This curiosity evolved into a passion while working in experiential education in China, where I noticed how much travellers crave real, local, and hands-on experiences.

Last year, I moved to Sri Lanka. For me, South China was already lush and green compared to my home country, The Netherlands, but Sri Lanka tops both. The climate, the diversity of crops, and the everyday presence of herbs and spices shape daily life here in ways that feel quite remarkable to me. Much of what my mother-in-law refers to simply as medicine grows around the house and is used in daily cooking.

Let’s zoom out: Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is a vital part of the economy, and while the government focuses on high-level strategies to meet traveller needs, I am focused on stories directly from agri-stays: places to stay with agricultural practices.

I am interviewing owners of agri-stays independently to learn about their motivations, how they run their business and the realities they face. I will be writing articles about what makes these models work, as well as the sustainable, social and educational side of the business.

April, 2026