Sri Lanka has earned prominent international recognition in the “Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards – Best of the Best 2026,” with Colombo and Galle ranked among the world’s leading destinations under two categories — a notable boost to the country’s tourism industry.

Colombo has been listed among the “Best of the Best Food Destinations in the World for 2026,” securing 13th place globally and positioning Sri Lanka’s commercial capital alongside distinguished culinary hubs including London, Dubai, Rome, Paris, Bangkok, and Osaka. The accolade underscores Colombo’s growing profile as a diverse and vibrant food destination.

Tripadvisor states that the “Best of the Best” recognition represents the highest level of excellence on its platform, awarded to fewer than one per cent of eight million global listings based on consistently outstanding community reviews and ratings submitted over a 12-month period.

In its citation, Tripadvisor urged travellers not to merely transit through Colombo, highlighting experiences from coastal train rides to Mount Lavinia to birdwatching and nature excursions at the Talangama Wetland.

Meanwhile, the southern coastal city of Galle has been ranked among the Top Five Honeymoon Destinations in the World for 2026, placing fifth behind Bali, Mauritius, the Maldives, and St Lucia. Tripadvisor described Galle as a destination that blends romance with history, from windswept beaches and colonial-era architecture to boutique shops and heritage museums.

The dual recognition reflects Sri Lanka’s diverse tourism offering — spanning urban food culture, heritage landscapes, and romantic coastal attractions — and reinforces the country’s renewed visibility on the global travel map heading into 2026.