Sri Lanka Wins Double at World Travel Awards 2026

Sri Lanka has secured two major tourism honours at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2026, being named Asia’s Leading Cultural Destination 2026 and Asia’s Leading Nature Destination 2026.

The double recognition highlights the island’s combination of ancient heritage and diverse natural landscapes, from sacred cities, historic sites and living traditions to national parks, rainforests, mountains and marine ecosystems.

Sri Lanka has previously won both titles, with the island also named Asia’s Leading Cultural Destination and Asia’s Leading Nature Destination in 2025.

The 2026 cultural award recognised Sri Lanka among nominees including Cambodia, India, Japan, Nepal, Thailand and Vietnam, while the nature category included China, India, Nepal and Vietnam.

The latest awards further highlight Sri Lanka’s appeal as a destination offering cultural heritage and wildlife experiences within a relatively compact island.

The honours were presented at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony, held in the Maldives on September 27, 2026.