Sri Lanka Tourism was awarded the “Best Destination of the Beaten Track” at the Conde Nast Traveler Middle East Reader’s Choice held on 14th November, 2016, at the Creek Ballroom of the Park Hyatt Hotel in Dubai. Conde Nast Traveler Middle East Readers’ choice award is one of the premier award ceremonies held in the Gulf countries region on annual basis, during which, the top rated countries, airlines, hotels and tour operators are awarded.Consul General of Sri Lanka in Dubai, Charitha Yattogoda accepted the award on behalf of Sri Lanka Tourism.
Sri Lanka outperformed 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. In addition to Sri Lanka, USA and Maldives were also awarded in different categories. Sri Lanka Tourism win indicates that Sri Lanka is widely popular among tourists from the Middle East as it has a 5.1% increase in tourists arrivals from the region.