Sri Lanka Aims to be Asia’s Top Long-Haul Destination with Tourism Concept Focused on Beaches, Culture, and Wellness.

Sri Lanka has set its sights on becoming the most popular long-haul travel destination in Asia with a tourism concept that highlights its paradisiacal beaches, traditional culture, and diverse range of activities and wellness options. At the International Tourism Exchange (ITB) held in Berlin, Sri Lanka presented an optimistic view of the future and ambitious goals, with the German tourism market playing a critical role in achieving them.

Ayurvedic treatments, massages and yoga are integral parts of the spa offerings at many resorts.

The Sri Lanka pavilion at the ITB was a festive affair, with the country’s Minister of Tourism and Lands, Harin Fernando, symbolically cutting the ribbon to kickstart the three-day event. The official press conference was attended by over 50 international journalists and media representatives, who were given an insight into the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau’s efforts to overcome the crises in the country and achieve its goals.

Sri Lanka’s relations with Germany were highlighted by Her Excellency Varuni Muthukumarana, Ambassador of Sri Lanka in Germany, who noted that economic relations between the two countries had existed for 70 years. Germany is the fourth-largest source of tourists in the world for Sri Lanka and has the most visitors from Europe, with many people returning due to the welcoming hospitality, diverse cuisine, and pristine wilderness.

The country’s historical culture is often celebrated with music and dance at celebrations and festivals.

According to Chairman of the SLTPB, Chalaka Gajabahu, tourism is one of the three main pillars of the country, and Sri Lanka has a lot to offer tourists, including adventure and sports, cultural sites, and romantic getaways. Every place on the island can be reached in half a day at most, allowing tourists to enjoy the country’s diversity without strain. The tourism sector has seen a strong increase in the first three months of 2022, but the peaceful protest and accompanying economic crisis that brought bad publicity throughout the year set Sri Lanka back in the short term. However, things are now moving in a positive direction, and the country is poised to demonstrate its hospitality and tourist appeal.

Sri Lanka boasts a coastline of almost 1,600 kilometres dotted with dream beaches, making it ideal for sunbathing, windsurfing, diving, and snorkelling. Inland, tourists can explore a diverse and untouched nature, with a third of the land area covered in forest and 350 waterfalls, giving the country the highest density of waterfalls globally. The newly opened Pekoe Trail, a 300-kilometer hiking trail in central Sri Lanka, is a relaxing and breathtaking experience for hikers, with 22 stages of varying lengths and requirements leading through scenic areas such as Pidurutalaga, the country’s highest mountain, and the Horton Plains National Park.

Sri Lanka also offers culturally impressive places such as the majestic rock of Sigiriya, where the remains of an ancient temple complex can be found. UNESCO heritage sites include the holy cities of Kandy and Anuradhapura, as well as the Buddhist cave temple at Rangiri Dambulla.

In conclusion, Sri Lanka is making significant strides towards becoming Asia’s top long-haul travel destination by focusing on its natural beauty, culture, and wellness options. With the support of the German tourism market, Sri Lanka is confident in achieving its ambitious goals and welcoming visitors to experience the diversity and hospitality of the country for themselves.

Written by: Anne Keam

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