Sri Lanka enchants visitors with its mesmerising landscapes, varied wildlife, rich history and warm hospitality. The UK has traditionally been the country’s largest European source market, generating 199,000 arrivals in 2019. While the repercussions of Covid and political and economic turmoil saw this drop to 82,000 in 2022, this figure is expected to double in 2023, according to Chalaka Gajabahu, chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.
He explains: “Sri Lanka is fully recovered from the Covid pandemic and has gotten back on its feet from the economic downturn. Luxury travellers can now travel to their dream long-haul paradise island without any travel hassles and restrictions, and there are many new luxury properties opening up during 2023.”
Malik Fernando, managing director of Sri Lankan hotel brand Resplendent Ceylon, says the country is experiencing “a gradual and very encouraging pick-up in occupancy”, adding: “Due to the recovery starting late, hotels and resorts in Sri Lanka have significant availability compared to previous years. Last-minute getaways are significantly easier to book – there are also a number of attractive offers, which means guests receive more value for money.”
Sri Lanka specialist Experience Travel Group saw a 300% increase in bookings in January compared with the monthly average for the preceding quarter, including numerous last-minute departures and rebookings.
Co-founder Sam Clark predicts the country will be popular with families seeking a long-haul adventure this summer. He explains: “Sri Lanka works so well at that time for a family holiday, with great weather and its mixture of wildlife, scenery, culture, beach and gorgeous hotels, offering something for the whole family."
Here are 10 top ways to sell Sri Lanka:
1. Peaceful pilgrimage
Travellers can hike the new Pekoe Trail, following traditional tea-picking paths through the cooler climes of the mountainous interior. The 200-mile network of trails passes through 80 villages, with numerous food stalls along the way. It can be done in any direction, with multiple entry and exit points, and it’s suitable for clients with a moderate level of fitness. The social enterprise has been 10 years in the making and is designed to benefit remote communities, promote the area’s diverse cultural and natural heritage and showcase the breathtaking scenery. Experience Travel Group offers guided tours with a private guide and immersive experiences, staying at boutique hotels, experiencetravelgroup.com
2. Private paradise
CV Villas has expanded its Above Collection of luxury, fully staffed villas with a selection of Sri Lankan boltholes. The range has already proven popular with small groups of adults and families with older children, particularly the immaculate Surya. Described as one of the specialist’s most beautiful Sri Lankan villas, the beachfront property is located near the southern coastal town of Koggala. It boasts four bedrooms, which are all separately accessed and overlook the Indian Ocean. Guests can roam through the bougainvillea-framed gardens, lounge by the infinity pool or get competitive in the games room, while staff on hand include a manager, housekeeper and chef, cvvillas.com
3. Refresh and rejuvenate
Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle invites relaxation, from the coconut palm-fringed beach to the grand villas overlooking the ocean and extensive dining offering (bookable via Inspiring Travel). The hotel’s complimentary experience menu has now expanded and includes a labyrinth walking meditation in the Anantara Spa herbal garden. Guests can visit the new Ayurvedic herbal dispensary, where a bespoke combination of indigenous herbal plants are selected, and join sunset meditation with a monk, bonfire sessions with a yoga master and culinary adventures at a kitchen in a paddy field. Wellness packages are also available, anantara.com
