Lonely Planet continues to maintain Sri Lanka as the top destination for 2019
International travel publisher Lonely Planet is continuing to maintain its listing of Sri Lanka as the top destination for 2019 even after the Easter Sunday attacks.
However, the publication has warned its readers to check the travel advisories issued by their respective government’s before travelling to the Indian Ocean Island.
“At the present time, foreign governments are advising caution, but are not warning against travel to Sri Lanka,” the travel portal has stated. “Check the travel advisory information from your government for the latest travel advice.”
India, UK, the US, Japan and many other top source markets for Sri Lanka have now revised their travel advisories issued on the island.
“While we don’t discount the fear many travellers feel, we should not allow events like this to deter us from continuing to explore, learn and break down stereotypes,” Lonely Planet writer Caterina Hrysomallis has reportedly stated in a feature published in the portal this week, titled Why I won’t give up on Sri Lanka and you shouldn’t either.
“The country has been upset, but continues to be an incredible place to visit. It still tops our Best in Travel for 2019.”
According to the writer, Sri Lanka deserves the top spot for its food, ‘epic train rides’, and scenic hills and beaches.
Tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka fell in May following the Easter Sunday attacks amidst foreign governments warning against travel to Sri Lanka. The situation is now changing with the relaxing of travel advisories.
OSL take:
The maintaining of Sri Lanka as Lonely Planet’s topmost destination to visit in 2019 would give a confidence boost to Sri Lanka’s tourism sector. It would undoubtedly help increase the tourist arrivals to the country that suffered a blow following the Easter Sunday attacks. The relaxing of travel advisories on Sri Lanka by many foreign countries would also give a boost to Sri Lanka’s tourism sector. The industry is expected to bounce back within a few months creating more business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s tourism sector.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/03072019/Z_5 |