Mr. Charitha Yattogoda with the award

Sri Lanka Tourism was able to show its prestige and bag another award, titled the ‘’Best Destination of the Beaten Track ‘’ Award at the Conde Nast Traveler Middle East Reader’s Choice held on 14^th November, 2016, at the Creek Ballroom of the Park Hyatt Hotel Dubai. Mr. Charitha Yattogoda , Consul General for Dubai , accepted the award on behalf of Sri Lanka Tourism. Sri Lanka made an outstanding appearance as it outperformed two other destinations (i.e New Zealand and Vietnam) to acquire the title of ‘’Best Destination of the Beaten Track ‘’ which is awarded based on the votes of the readers of the Conde Nast Traveler Middle East Magazine, that covers wider cross section of the tourism sector including the favorite travel experiences, from destinations and hotels to airlines and tour operators.

Conde Nast Traveler Middle East Readers’ choice award is one of the premier award ceremonies held in the GCC region on annual basis, during which, the top rated countries, airlines, hotels and tour operators are awarded. In addition to Sri Lanka, USA and Maldives were also awarded the different categories and leading airlines and hotels including Emirates Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Dusit Thani and Atlantis, the Palm etc, were awarded at the ceremony.

Sri Lanka Tourism’s latest win for the tourism sector indicates that Sri Lanka is being widely popular among tourists regarding its vivid attractions, rich and ancient cultural heritage. Up to October 2016, Sri Lanka has received 93,640 tourist arrivals from the Middle Eastern region, where it generates a 5.1% growth compared with the same period last year.