Sri Lanka’s Arugam Bay voted Asia’s best beach
Daily FT: Arugam Bay has been ranked Asia’s best beach in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, one of four Sri Lankan beaches to make the region’s top 20.
The surfing destination on Sri Lanka’s eastern coast scored 98.84, the highest in the Asian rankings.
It finished ahead of Railay Beach in Thailand, which scored 94.44, and Coral Beach in Malaysia, which scored 93.33. Boracay in the Philippines and Nusa Dua Beach in Indonesia completed the top five.
Bentota Beach was placed ninth with a score of 88.33, Tangalle Beach 14th with 83.33 and Negombo Beach 19th with 78.92. Together, the four entries span different stretches of the island’s coastline.
OSL take:
Arugam Bay’s recognition as Asia’s best beach in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 highlights Sri Lanka’s growing international tourism appeal and the business/investment opportunities emerging across the industry and related sectors. The inclusion of Bentota, Tangalle and Negombo among Asia’s top 20 beaches further strengthen the country’s tourism profile, creating opportunities to attract foreign investment into hospitality, leisure and nature-based tourism. Hotel and resort development remains a key investment avenue, particularly in coastal destinations where demand for boutique hotels, luxury resorts, wellness retreats and quality accommodation could support tourism diversification. Investors could also explore eco-lodges, surfing facilities, adventure tourism and community-based tourism, particularly in destinations such as Arugam Bay that attract international visitors seeking specialised experiences. Beyond accommodation, opportunities extend to transport, aviation connectivity, tour operations, restaurants, entertainment and travel technology. Digital booking platforms, destination marketing and integrated travel services could help businesses reach international customers and improve visitor experiences. Tourism growth could also benefit agriculture, fisheries, food processing, handicrafts and other small businesses supplying hotels, restaurants and tour operators. Stronger links between tourism operators and local producers could increase domestic value addition and generate employment, particularly in coastal communities. Infrastructure development, including improved road access, waste management, water supply and sustainable energy, will be essential to support expansion while protecting the natural attractions that draw visitors. Foreign businesses/investors could enter the market through joint ventures with established Sri Lankan businesses, gaining local expertise and access to emerging destinations.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20261019Z_3 |