Sri Lanka’s Pekoe Trail Wins 2026 World Trails Network Trail Tourism Award in Perth

Sri Lanka’s renowned 300-kilometre Pekoe Trail has won the 2026 Trail Tourism Award at the World Trails Network Awards held in Perth, Australia, earning international recognition for the island’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and growing potential as a hiking destination.

The prestigious accolade celebrates the trail’s international appeal and recognises the communities, partners and supporters who have contributed to its development and success.

Stretching through Sri Lanka’s spectacular central highlands and tea-growing regions, the Pekoe Trail offers hikers an opportunity to experience the country’s diverse landscapes, historic tea estates, rural villages and rich cultural heritage on foot. The trail has emerged as an important addition to Sri Lanka’s tourism offering, attracting travellers seeking immersive outdoor experiences and meaningful connections with local communities.

The award also highlights the potential of trail tourism to generate new economic opportunities, support local livelihoods and increase tourism revenue by encouraging visitors to explore destinations beyond the country’s traditional attractions.

The Pekoe Trail Company, which serves as steward of the trail, expressed pride and gratitude following the international recognition. The company acknowledged the contributions of local communities, Trail Hosts, partners, supporters and hikers who have helped bring the trail to life.

The recognition reinforces the importance of developing tourism in a way that protects the natural environment while ensuring that the communities along the route benefit from its growth.

The company also reaffirmed its commitment to the trail’s sustainable development, the conservation of the landscapes through which it passes and the creation of long-term benefits for the people who call these regions home.

The 2026 award marks a significant achievement for Sri Lanka’s adventure and sustainable tourism sectors, strengthening the Pekoe Trail’s international profile and supporting the country’s ambition to attract more visitors interested in nature, culture and responsible travel.

With its combination of scenic highlands, tea-country heritage and community experiences, the Pekoe Trail continues to offer international visitors a distinctive way to discover Sri Lanka, one step at a time.