Colombo crowned ‘Most Happening City’ by travel writer
Daily Mirror: Calling Colombo the most happening city in the world today, renowned British travel writer and journalist Juliet Coombe declared that Sri Lanka’s commercial capital is undergoing an extraordinary transformation, outshining global hubs with its rich biodiversity, historical secrets, and urban charm.
Speaking as a special guest at an event held at the Colombo Lotus Tower, Coombe’s glowing endorsement comes as the Western Province unveils ambitious plans to overhaul its tourism landscape, aiming to convert Colombo from a transient transit hub into a high-spending, long-stay destination.
Having travelled to 143 countries throughout her career, Coombe shared a deeply personal bond with the island, choosing to remain in Sri Lanka to raise her two sons, Hamza and Sanath, following the passing of her Sri Lankan husband in 2019. Describing Colombo as the new bird capital of Asia with over 70 avian species in the heart of town, she detailed her recent urban adventures, including a visit to the Dehiwala Zoo. She noted that while she had initially been judgmental about the zoo, a recent visit to see one newly born baby hippo revealed a dedicated team of experts who deeply understand and protect the animals.
Coombe also expressed awe at the National Museum’s historical craftsmanship, drawing on her brother’s expertise as an archaeologist at the British Museum to point out one of the most beautifully carved ancient toilets in the world. She remarked that while a person can be judged by their garden, a civilization can be judged by its toilets, making the museum a must-visit destination just to witness the island’s remarkable craftsmanship. From Kumaratunga Munidasa Mawatha’s miniature pillar to a Buddhist monk’s classic car collection, Coombe envisioned the Lotus Tower on the silver screen, confidently predicting it as the next filming location for the James Bond franchise.
This vibrant narrative formed the centerpiece for the official launch of Colombo Connect, a digital platform introduced by technology pioneer PickMe at the Lotus Tower on Wednesday. The platform seamlessly integrates the capital’s attractions, historic sites, dining, and transit options into a single mobile ecosystem designed to eliminate friction for both residents and international travellers. By linking independent operators, local enterprises, and cultural venues through a unified digital gateway, the initiative aims to unlock the capital’s full economic potential and elevate the overall visitor experience.
Reinforcing this momentum, Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof outlined a strategic vision to lengthen tourist stays and boost local economic spend across the region. He stressed that the ambition for the Western Province is not simply to attract more tourists, but to facilitate better experiences that encourage visitors to stay longer, spend more, and discover more.
Highlighting an upcoming tourism project backed by an 80 million dollar (approx. Rs. 24 billion) World Bank investment, the Governor emphassed plans to revitalise the Fort and Pettah areas, establish a modern art museum, create an interconnected heritage trail, and build nature-based wetland centers.
OSL take:
Colombo’s emergence as a potential high-spending, long-stay tourism destination is creating new business/investment opportunities for foreign businesses/investors across Sri Lanka’s tourism and hospitality sectors. The city’s combination of urban attractions, biodiversity, history and proximity to beaches and other destinations provides scope for investment beyond conventional hotels. Boutique accommodation, eco-tourism, wildlife experiences, cultural tourism, city-based entertainment, wellness and premium leisure services are among the areas with potential for growth. The planned transformation of Colombo and the wider Western Province could also generate business opportunities for international operators with expertise in destination management, tourism technology, sustainable development and high-end hospitality. For foreign businesses/investors, Sri Lanka’s opportunity lies in moving beyond a short-stay tourism model and developing integrated experiences that encourage visitors to stay longer and spend more. If supported by improved infrastructure and targeted investment, Colombo could increasingly serve as a gateway to a broader portfolio of tourism and leisure ventures across the island.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20260813Z_2 |