Categories: Business

SL is the best travel destination for 2019 – Lonely Planet

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

Lankanewspapers

Recent Posts

LNP – President Dissanayake has written to Donald Trump on US tariffs issue – Minister

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has personally written to United States President Donald Trump on ways…

4 mins ago

LNP – Modi’s aerial view of Ram Setu on his way back from SL coincides with Lord Ram’s birthday

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on his way back from Sri Lanka, had a Darshan…

2 hours ago

LNP – Adani Ports shares rise nearly 4% as Colombo terminal operations commence

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) shares surged 3.6% to their intraday high of…

2 hours ago

LNP – Railway Dept. to operate 10 special trains for New Year

A total of 10 special trains will be in operation for the convenience of those…

2 hours ago

LNP – MP Chamara Sampath granted bail

New Democratic Front (NDF) Parliamentarian Chamara Sampath Dassanayake, who was arrested over the alleged misappropriation…

2 hours ago

LNP – 4 dead, another 4 injured in Kurunegala fuel station fire

Four individuals, including the manager of the facility, were burnt to death, while four others…

7 hours ago