Reaching global headlines once again, Sri Lanka tourism makes the country proud to be ranked among the best Wellness Tourism destinations in the world this year, according to the Global Wellness Institute.
The mission of this institute is to empower wellness across the world by making the public and private sectors aware about maintaining stable health and wellness. In defining wellness tourism, the institute classifies it as any travel planned with the purpose of maintaining and enhancing a person’s health and wellbeing.
The onset of the global pandemic has brought about a significant increase on the stress levels of people in every corner of the world, with more and more doctor visits being related to stress. As a result, tourists are looking for holidays that cater to the betterment of holistic health, including mental, spiritual, emotional, physical and social wellbeing.
Sri Lanka’s Tourism Minister, Prasanna Ranatunga stated that Sri Lanka tourism had seen this trend and the government had focused on developing this sector further, allocating more space for the Wellness Tourism campaign.
According to the President’s Office, Sri Lanka has vaccinated 84% of its eligible population (over 16) as of November 2021. Minister Ranatunga went on to say that Sri Lanka is now a Covid safe country, and urged other countries across the world not to be fearful in sending tourists to Sri Lanka. In December 2020, the airport opened for tourists, after being closed for 9 months. Since then, there have been over 40,000 tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka, with 13,000 arriving in September alone. Just over 300 of these were found to be Covid infected. With steady vaccinations under way, the country is completely open for tourists now.
With Bali ranking on the top of the list of Wellness Tourism Destinations in 2021, Dolomites ranked second, followed by Greece and then Sri Lanka at 4th place. The Global Wellness Institute specified Sri Lanka as the leading destination for spiritual healing. Ayurveda is being practiced in Sri Lanka for decades and there is a heavy focus in the field at present, with several developments taking place in Ayurvedic treatments. The hospitality industry now offers exclusive body rituals by expert therapists at luxury holiday resorts amidst the beauty of natural surroundings such as the serene hills and exotic beaches. In addition to that, resorts also offer private yoga and meditation sessions as well as cooking lessons for their in-house guests.
Blue Lanka Tours is a leading tour operator in Sri Lanka and has a team of friendly travel consultants on board to assist you in planning your holiday. Taking your requirements into consideration, we can create a tailor-made travel itinerary including preferred tourist attractions and destinations in Sri Lanka. Contact us today to book your upcoming holiday!