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Sri Lanka Garners Global Recognition for its Tourism & Hospitality Excellence
Daily FT
|September 26, 2025
Sri Lanka is steadily reclaiming its place on the world tourism map, not just for its natural beauty and cultural heritage, but for its excellence in hospitality, innovation, and sustainable transformation.
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Recent awards and milestones highlight how the island nation has been elevated in global perception, offering both travelers and stakeholders a compelling story of revival, commitment, and progress.
One of the most visible recognitions came in early 2025, when Sigiriya was named World's Most Welcoming City by Booking.com. Based on over 360 million traveler reviews, this accolade validates what many international visitors already sense: Sri Lankan warmth, rich cultural immersion, and deeply rooted traditions coupled with modern hospitality standards.
Closely tied to this is Sigiriya's elevation as Sri Lanka's first sustainable tourism destination. In January 2025, Green Destinations — a body recognised under the Global Sustainable Tourism Council — completed a rigorous audit and awarded Sigiriya a Bronze certification, officially marking the region's sustainable efforts. This recognition acknowledges not just the natural and historical assets, but the integrated approach involving infrastructure, community involvement, capacity assessments, and visitor management.
This story is from the September 26, 2025 edition of Daily FT.
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