<strong>Sri Lanka's reopening: </strong>Sri Lanka reopened its borders to international travelers on January 21, 2021. But the months-long absence of foreign tourists serves as proof that the country needs to diversify its tourism offerings, say some in the industry.
Sri Lanka's reopening: Sri Lanka reopened its borders to international travelers on January 21, 2021. But the months-long absence of foreign tourists serves as proof that the country needs to diversify its tourism offerings, say some in the industry.
Courtesy Back of Beyond
<strong>Positive solutions: </strong>Several independent establishments across the island have been successful in creating unique concepts that appeal to domestic travelers as well as foreigners. Among these is Back of Beyond, which offers stays and experiences in remote locations.
Positive solutions: Several independent establishments across the island have been successful in creating unique concepts that appeal to domestic travelers as well as foreigners. Among these is Back of Beyond, which offers stays and experiences in remote locations.
Courtesy Back of Beyond
<strong>Jungle Hideaway: </strong>Back of Beyond's most-visited property sits close to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sigiriya. It borders a serene stream running through the jungle and features tree houses and eco-friendly cottages perched on boulders.
Jungle Hideaway: Back of Beyond's most-visited property sits close to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sigiriya. It borders a serene stream running through the jungle and features tree houses and eco-friendly cottages perched on boulders.
Courtesy Back of Beyond
<strong>Yala glamping: </strong>In the south of Sri Lanka, near Yala National Park, Back of Beyond offers a glamping experience overlooking sprawling sand dunes and natural pools.
Yala glamping: In the south of Sri Lanka, near Yala National Park, Back of Beyond offers a glamping experience overlooking sprawling sand dunes and natural pools.
Courtesy Back of Beyond
<strong>Surviving the crisis: </strong>"Our concept is definitely sustainable," says Mandi Daluwatte, Back of Beyond's communications and social media manager, of her company's ability to survive the Covid-19 crisis.
Surviving the crisis: "Our concept is definitely sustainable," says Mandi Daluwatte, Back of Beyond's communications and social media manager, of her company's ability to survive the Covid-19 crisis.
Courtesy Back of Beyond
<strong>Leopard Trails: </strong>Unlike traditional jeep safaris, Leopard Trails provides a luxury glamping experience with local cuisine, bonfires and a guided safari with information on wildlife behavior, habitats and identification of individual leopards in the national parks.
Leopard Trails: Unlike traditional jeep safaris, Leopard Trails provides a luxury glamping experience with local cuisine, bonfires and a guided safari with information on wildlife behavior, habitats and identification of individual leopards in the national parks.
Courtesy Leopard Trails
<strong>Not just leopards: </strong>Leopard Trails' safaris give travelers a chance to experience Sri Lanka's diverse wildlife up close.
Not just leopards: Leopard Trails' safaris give travelers a chance to experience Sri Lanka's diverse wildlife up close.
Courtesy Leopard Trails
<strong>Virtual safari: </strong>Dhanula Jayasinghe, who works as a ranger at Leopard Trails, created a virtual safari on Airbnb with the support of his industry colleagues in April 2020 in response to the pandemic.
Virtual safari: Dhanula Jayasinghe, who works as a ranger at Leopard Trails, created a virtual safari on Airbnb with the support of his industry colleagues in April 2020 in response to the pandemic.
Courtesy Leopard Trails
<strong>High demand: </strong>The leopard safari is the only virtual experience on Airbnb from Sri Lanka and has exceeded 250 bookings.
High demand: The leopard safari is the only virtual experience on Airbnb from Sri Lanka and has exceeded 250 bookings.
Courtesy Leopard Trails
<strong>Promoting Sri Lanka to the world: </strong>Jayasinghe says he's happy that the virtual tour also promotes Sri Lanka as a tourist destination.
Promoting Sri Lanka to the world: Jayasinghe says he's happy that the virtual tour also promotes Sri Lanka as a tourist destination.
Courtesy Leopard Trails