Sri Lanka still a tourist favourite destination despite challenges
(Photo by Mosharraf Hossain on Unsplash)
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.
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.
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Most of the EU countries shutting the door to Russian tourists, SL has a golden opportunity to earn much needed foreign currency by promoting and providing good quality holidays to Russian tourists. Grab the opportunity.
There are much better destinations than Sri Lanka! Tourists don’t want to see suffering people when having a relaxing time… And there is no guarantee of fuel, electricity, medical care and security. But most of all there is huge racism against people with white skin! Tourists are not silly cows where one can press milk out in form of dollars and euros. They have brains and the word is spreading around the world. Srilankan hospitality is only a fairy tale from old days. That’s the truth about srilankan tourism…
True. To add to all that begging, pestering traders, overcharging for being a tourist and rubbish all over the place.
It appears Lily is a resident in white man’s land and is consuming rubbish strewn by agencies such as the UN and associates.
The econ meltdown is under control; no queues and demands are met.
There’s inflation in SL but it is a global phenomenon. With the population being proactive (community veggie gardens!!) food scarcity is almost a thing of the past.
SL is an ideal tourist paradise, cost effective, high standard, friendliness and awesome natural experience.
Tourists to SL return and they return not once but many times.
The numbers have jumped in the past few months and they will continue to grow.
Let Lily, wherever she is, glow in the white man’s world reading UN reports Please leave us alone
No, Lily lived for a few years in Sri Lanka and did her very best to fit, with decent clothes and behavior. Lily was several times heavily sexually assaulted by Sri Lankan men. And she also had to learn how white skinned people get abused. If everything from a simple coconut to an electrician is 7 times as expensive than for Srilankans you feel bad. You even feel worse if you have to learn that white women are generally looked at like prostitutes… as an older well educated serious woman it’s just not what you need, besides of ALL men in the streets are starring at you! As a journalist Lily spoke to a lot of different people and she saw the dark net of corruption which is all against tourist very clearly! Lily travelled all over the world for 40 years and visited SL with an open heart and soul. But what she got back was crap and: Money, money, money. It’s an open common secret in SL how one treats tourists- so please no sugarcoating!!!