Sri Lanka still a tourist favourite destination despite challenges

8 October 2022 05:11 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 7 Bookmark

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(Pix courtesy Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority)

Ranked as the 9th most favourite country in the world by Conde Nast Traveller
Described as a country of “ever beaming people”
Says Sri Lankans are known for their love of visitors and genuine desire to help

Sri Lanka faces hardships in the current economic context; however, the island nation has been successful in braving through the challenges and remaining a favourite destination among travellers across the world.
Destination Sri Lanka maintained its rank as a sought-after spot for tourists and ranks among the top 10 friendliest countries in the world.

Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2022 ranked Sri Lanka as the ninth friendliest country in the world. The rank is offered based on public voting from travellers and holidaymakers.

“They say you can travel the world and you’ll never find anywhere as welcoming as home but we don’t quite think that’s true. From the ever-beaming people of Sri Lanka to the famously open-armed population of New Zealand, our planet is home to some seriously friendly countries,” said Conde Nast Traveller in its description of Sri Lanka in its announcement.

“From children to the elderly, the people of Sri Lanka are known for their love of visitors and genuine desire to help. On the south coast, set sail on a whale-watching expedition in Mirissa, shop the colourful boutiques of the fort city of Galle or shack up at the uber-luxe Cape Weligama hotel, occupying a cliff next to the ocean.

“Make the climb up to the Tea District, where precarious winding roads will lead you into the heart of the country’s tea plantations or towards the centre, climb Sigiriya Rock for views far and wide,” it went on to state.

Sri Lanka was ranked below Belize and above the Philippines. French Polynesia, Colombia, and New Zealand were listed as the top three friendliest countries.

While the people of Sri Lanka are facing hardships, due to the ongoing economic turbulence, the tourism sector has ensured international travellers are cushioned against any impact. Line agencies and tourism stakeholders continue to take active steps to deliver the true Sri Lankan holiday experience.

As the island nation is braving through challenges, just as many other nations, due to the global economic conditions, Sri Lanka tourism is determined to stand stall and is confident in moving towards revival in the coming month. (SAA)

Comments - 7

Fredrik Saturday, 08 October 2022 08:15 AM

Good that Sri Lankans are welcoming tourists. As a foreigner who has spent 30 years here, I also know that many people here believe that tourists are full of dollars, are gullible and easy to cheat. I love the country, my Sri Lankan family and friends but when visitors come, being cheated, I feel ashamed.

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D P P Prasad Saturday, 08 October 2022 08:39 AM

As an island with some topographical features Srilanka has attractive hilltops.waterfalls beachs wildlife sanctuaries rainforests and some other ecosystems which can be uplifted as tourism hotpots. Unfortunately no government pays its attention in order to uplift the prevailing so attractive tourism hotpots so far. The power greedy politicians whenever they were in power they heaped up the money instead of uplifting the available tourism resources. Even now they can take some measures to develop the tourism destinations. Further the tourism is an source of income it has an ablity to ease off the present dollar crisis some extent

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Athk69 Saturday, 08 October 2022 10:50 AM

In response to Fredrik, in any part of the world, there are a few people who try to pray on the gullibility of people. The travellers must do their homework and be smart enough to identify potential swindlers and only engage with persons who are deemed reasonable, when transacting. After all, anyone will seek to maximise their profit. No one does anything for free. Its upto the buyer, to determine how much they're will to part, for the value they seek.

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Money praise it own tail Saturday, 08 October 2022 01:47 PM

Everyone knows Sir Lanka is one of friendliest countries in the world bur today even the tourists are scared to visit this country due to high cost of living today , people who are starving worry them for some help and transport, room costs etc. Place is attractive but the cost factor also will be considered.

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Ram Saturday, 08 October 2022 02:31 PM

Yes, we are a favourite tourist destination. Tourists twice think before selecting SL due to our failed economic decisions taken by the well educated politicians. Tourists may not want to visit a country where essential medicines and food are not supplied to meet the demand

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Nilmini Welivita Sunday, 09 October 2022 07:58 AM

Tourism Minister Mr. Sleazy will mess things up as he usually does.

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DAVID NORRIS Sunday, 09 October 2022 03:37 PM

I FOR ONE LOVE THIS COUNTRY...SRI LANKA ....I HAVE BEEN TO SRI LANKA MANY TIMES AND DUE TO RETURN THIS NOVEMBERTO SPEND CHRISTMAS HERE IN MY FAVORITE COUNTRY IN THE WORLD

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