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The recent announcement by the renowned travel booking platform highlights the growing appeal of this historic destination, Sigiriya.

Sigiriya, an ancient rock fortress in central Sri Lanka, has been named the world’s most welcoming city for 2025 by Booking.com. Sigiriya a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers visitors a unique blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. It is also known as the 8th Wonder of the World, drawing visitors from around the globe to marvel at its iconic rock formations and the remains of an ancient palace.

The recognition from Booking.com is a testament to Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to bolster its tourism industry.

Travelers are increasingly drawn to authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventures, shaped by exceptional hospitality and service. As part of the thirteenth edition of the Traveller Review Awards, Booking.com unveils the 10 Most Welcoming Cities on Earth for 20251, along with tips and recommendations to help travellers fully embrace the charm of these unique destinations. Backed by over 360 million verified customer reviews on Booking.com, the featured accommodations are celebrated for consistently delivering outstanding hospitality.

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s ‘Cultural Triangle,’ Sigiriya is a must-see destination that seamlessly combines natural splendour with deep history. The iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers breathtaking views and highlights the architectural brilliance of ancient Sri Lanka. In the late 5th century, King Kashyapa established his royal capital here, crowning the summit with an elaborate palace adorned with vibrant frescoes. Visitors can immerse themselves in the nearby village, renowned for its fabrics and handicrafts, including batiks (fabrics with ornate designs traditionally created using wax), ornamental pots, and handloom textiles. The lush landscapes of Minneriya National Park are also famous for its spectacular wild elephant gatherings. From conquering the ascent to the fortress to embracing the tranquillity of village life, Sigiriya presents an unforgettable blend of adventure and serenity.

Where to stay: Roo Mansala, or “alluring abode” in English, has direct and uninterrupted views of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the Pidurangala Rock. The hotel’s unique architecture and interior design blend seamlessly with the natural habitat that surrounds it. For travelers craving a bit more adventure, Back of Beyond – Pidurangala, boasts guest’s bungalows and villas surrounded by four acres of dense forest. While there, visitors should consider booking a Private Jeep Safari at Minneriya for an up-close look at the region’s famous elephants and other incredible wildlife in their natural habitat.

How to get there: Sigiriya is best reached by flying into Bandaranaike International Airport in the country’s capital of Colombo, followed by a scenic three-hour drive through Sri Lanka’s countryside.

Sri Lanka experienced a significant boost in foreign tourist arrivals, with numbers rising by 21.37% year-on-year to 252,761 in January 2025. This follows an 18.18% increase in the previous month, indicating a positive trend for the country’s tourism sector.

India led the way as the top tourist source market, contributing 17.2% of the total arrivals. Other key markets included Russia (13.5%), the UK (8.6%), China (6.6%), Germany (6%), France (5%), Australia (3.8%), Poland (3%), the US (2.8%), and the Netherlands (2.6%).

On a month-to-month basis, foreign tourist arrivals increased by 1.67% in January, further highlighting the steady growth of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Brussels, with the support of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau highlighted Sri Lanka as a premier travel destination at the ‘Vakantie Expo’, held from 24 to 26 January in Belgium.

The B2C event was held at ‘Antwerp Expo’ with over 30,000 Belgian travel enthusiasts and industry professionals with active holiday plans for 2025 and 2026. The Sri Lanka Embassy Stand at the event exuded a unique tourism identity through images, banners, videos, brochures, and maps featuring the tourism sector of the country. The visitors to the stand were given personalised insights into Sri Lanka’s diverse unique tourism opportunities in English, Dutch, and French.

By presenting itself as a must-visit long-haul destination, Sri Lanka made its appeal to the Benelux market showcasing its rich culture, natural beauty, wildlife, and diverse travel experiences.

The visitors to the Sri Lanka stand included those who had travelled to the country before, fondly reminiscing about their past experiences and expressing excitement about returning to explore new areas where they had previously missed, and also those who were eager to make Sri Lanka their next destination. Many expressed specific interest in Sri Lanka’s wide-ranging attractions including family-friendly activities, exploring natural beauty, culinary experiences, wildlife safaris, visiting cultural landmarks, outdoor adventures, and experiencing the lifestyles of local people.

Sri Lanka’s participation in the Vakantie Expo bolstered its brand presence and opened valuable networking opportunities within Belgium’s travel industry. This ticketed event also drew visitors from neighbouring countries such as the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, and France further broadening the reach of Sri Lanka’s tourism campaign.

In 2024, Sri Lanka received 17,219 Belgian travellers, recording a 61% growth compared to 2023. Considering the high-spending nature of Belgian travelers, and their tendency to repeat visits, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Brussels plans to carry out a number of promotional events in Belgium and Luxembourg in 2025.