General

Sri Lanka has gained notable international acclaim in the “Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards – Best of the Best 2026,” with Colombo and Galle recognized as top global destinations in two different categories. This recognition is a significant boost for the tourism and hospitality sectors in Sri Lanka. Colombo, the country's commercial capital, has been ranked 13th among the “Best of the Best Food Destinations in the World for 2026.” This ranking places Colombo alongside other renowned culinary cities, highlighting its emerging status as a vibrant and diverse food hub. Tripadvisor states that the “Travelers’ Choice Awards – Best of the Best” signify the highest excellence in global travel, based on a large number of outstanding reviews and ratings from the Tripadvisor community over the past year. Out of over eight million listings worldwide, less than one percent achieve this esteemed recognition. The top food destinations for 2026 are led by London (United Kingdom), followed by Dubai (United Arab Emirates) and Rome (Italy). Other notable cities on the list include Paris, Bangkok, Osaka, New York City, Singapore, Istanbul, Kyoto, Seoul, New Delhi, and Shanghai, showing the competitive nature of the global food scene in which Colombo stands out. Tripadvisor highlighted that Colombo is more than just the main entry point to Sri Lanka. “Colombo is the gateway to Sri Lanka for most travelers—but don’t be tempted to simply pass through this diverse and interesting city. Take a train ride along the coast to Mount Lavinia, a popular beach, or explore the Talangama Wetland, which several TripAdvisor travelers say is the perfect place to take a break from the bustling streets of the city,” it noted. Additionally, the historic city of Galle in Sri Lanka has also received international praise, being listed as one of the Top Five Honeymoon Destinations in the World for 2026 in the “Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards – Best of the Best Honeymoon Destinations.” The world’s largest travel guidance platform remarked, “From private beaches to intimate dinners, these romantic destinations know just how to set the mood for two.”