SL is the best travel destination for 2019 - Lonely Planet

23 October 2018 10:44 am - 26 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Sri Lanka claimed the top spot in the Lonely Planet’s best travel destinations list of countries to visit in 2019, with Germany and Zimbabwe just behind, while Italy's Piedmont, the Catskills in the USA, and northern Peru topped the list of must-see regions.

Egypt’s Southern Nile Valley, Lodz in Poland and the USA’s Great Smoky Mountains were named as the three best-value destinations for 2019.

Sri Lanka came top in the list of best countries to visit primarily because travel has become much easier there since the civil war ended in 2009.

“It's changed so much, so quickly, and in a lot of ways that makes travel much easier,” said Matt Philips, destination editor at Lonely Planet. “During the civil war there were large tracts in the north that were completely off limits, but now there are new road and rail links, and new internal flights.”

'Sri Lanka, is decidedly having its moment in the equatorial sun and change is coming swiftly. After decades of civil conflict, this is a country revived. 'There's more than ever for families, adrenaline junkies, eco-tourists, wellness seekers and foodies of all budgets.'

He also said travel products had hugely evolved in Sri Lanka, and now includes diverse opportunities beyond mere beach holidays, from eco-tourism and yoga retreats to visiting national parks to see elephants and leopards.

“It's also great for foodies – Sri Lanka has everything,” Philips added.

Lonely Planet’s best travel destinations for 2019
Top 10 Countries

1. Sri Lanka

2. Germany

3. Zimbabwe

4. Panama

5. Kyrgyzstan

6. Jordan

7. Indonesia

8. Belarus

9. São Tomé and Príncipe

10. Belize

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Comments - 26

Dhammika Tuesday, 23 October 2018 10:50 AM

GOOD ENCOURAGING NEWS FOR THE TOURISM INDUSTRY . Its now to the GOVT. to promote the industry to the MAXIMUM to reap the highest benefits . GOOD LUCK ! .

Mandayan Tuesday, 23 October 2018 09:22 PM

Until the country is stabilise politically and peacefully these good news is temporary.

Unchikun Tuesday, 23 October 2018 11:01 AM

That is great news. I hope the greedy hotel industry will not jack up prices and spoil the soup. This happened just after the war ended with the blessing of the then government who put high minimum chargers to make a quick buck and it failed as we all know.

ckillangakoon Tuesday, 23 October 2018 12:34 PM

yeah. very good opportunity to thrive in the industry, if only we would manage it wisely."Collect golden feathers (or eggs) without killing the goose!"

zamaan Tuesday, 23 October 2018 01:46 PM

Jon's money in action...

mark Tuesday, 23 October 2018 02:56 PM

tho its a good news for Sri Lankans, from the tourists point of view I doubt it with the bloody dollar hitting the roof...

Rav Tuesday, 23 October 2018 04:50 PM

Actually the rising of the dollar is an advantage to the tourists in my point of view

Mohamed Tuesday, 23 October 2018 03:09 PM

Wow !!! You thing this bother us to utilize it maximum to strengthen the identity -

Abey Tuesday, 23 October 2018 03:20 PM

If the past is anything to go buy, the Hospitality industry will now increase prices and price us out of the market. I hope they take note of the fact that our service levels are far too low compare to Malaysia, Indonesia, Philiphine etc., probably because despite our so called jobless,there are no takers for available jobs

Veranja Tuesday, 23 October 2018 07:40 PM

absolutely. This has become the most expensive tourist destinations with very poor service levels. They should learn from Mexico end other south American countries. 30% tax is terrible. No were in the world you have this kind of tax.

John Tuesday, 23 October 2018 07:41 PM

Sri Lanka is already a very expensive destination.

Ceylon Tuesday, 23 October 2018 03:38 PM

first wellcomers are immigration.teach immigration how to smile.remove the rude statues from immigration counters.

Dperera Tuesday, 23 October 2018 06:44 PM

I'll agree with you 100%. Worst immigration in the world.

veranja Tuesday, 23 October 2018 07:42 PM

Also the airport is crowded with employees there is no room for passengers. One of the worst Airports.

Kumar Wednesday, 24 October 2018 06:51 AM

You are wrong. They were very polite and courteous to me my wife who were there six weeks ago.

jimbo Tuesday, 23 October 2018 03:40 PM

That's indeed a good news. Tourism authority has to play a bigger role to promote this industry.

jeb bush Tuesday, 23 October 2018 04:39 PM

which sri lanka is he talking about ????

Gihan Tuesday, 23 October 2018 06:36 PM

Good news for the small boutique and home stay operators. Bad news for the luxury 5* and resory operators. Lonely Planet guide users are mainly back packers and independent travellers.

Suresh Tuesday, 23 October 2018 06:43 PM

1st get rid of poya days every month

John Tuesday, 23 October 2018 07:40 PM

The inclusion of Zimbabwe at No.3 suggests there is something seriously wrong with this list.

Nv gunarathne Tuesday, 23 October 2018 07:45 PM

That's a great news in deed.we must be proud of this beautiful island.when tourits come to sri lanka,they musn't have bad experiences like heavy traffics while they travel around epecially in colombo.all the best!

vperera Tuesday, 23 October 2018 07:49 PM

The way the attractions are managed is terrible. Example. Sigiriya, There should be a method with time slot for people to enter so that you do not over crowd. Should learn from western countries and have a much organize way. Have a guide brief the tourist of the attraction for 5 minutes before they enter. After all you are charging them a tidy sum.

Harini Tuesday, 23 October 2018 09:11 PM

Well done Tourism Board! But too bad Sri Lanka is becoming unliveable for its own citizens. Validation from neo-colonials should be taken with a pinch of salt methinks.

Kumar Wednesday, 24 October 2018 07:01 AM

This will help more discrimination against the locals at the big tea planation near N'eliya or are the tourists will get fleeced in that new facility where a well dressed guy approaches locals and tell then to use old building where things cheaper. The plastic king has forgotten that he is one of the dark skinned ones. Is Sri Lanka the only country in the world that discriminate against it's people.

Cobra Wednesday, 24 October 2018 07:33 AM

Travel advisory: Men should have their wallets in a chain and women should wear chastity belts!!!!!

Tony de Silva Wednesday, 24 October 2018 01:07 PM

Sri Lanka should not feel ashamed to learn from Thailand whose tourism industry is a major source of income and employment. I was in Sri Lanka recently and paid US$80 for a hotel room. A similar hotel in Thailand would be half that price.In view of the excessive hotel accommodation costs I find it difficult to justify choosing Sri Lanka as a holiday destination.

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SL is the best travel destination for 2019 - Lonely Planet

Comments - 26

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