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National Geographic’s annual guide, Best of the World 2024, showcases the most thrilling, meaningful, and unique travel experiences for the year. The Pekoe Trail’s recognition is a testament to its allure, as it invites travelers to explore the picturesque landscapes of Sri Lanka’s tea country. This year’s travel guide was a collaborative effort involving National Geographic’s international editorial teams, reaching millions of readers globally through their magazines and websites. The guide not only highlights must-see destinations but also expands its recommendations to encompass a comprehensive suite of must-do, must-stay, and must-consume suggestions to enhance travelers’ engagement with these destinations.
Pekoe Trail for Best of the World 2024
In a groundbreaking move, the Best of the World 2024 recommendations now encompass wellness retreats, hotels, cultural gems, and restaurants deemed “worth building a trip around.” Additionally, a list of the top 20 travel adventures for the upcoming year, expert-approved travel products, and a roster of change-makers inspiring the global travel community have been introduced. Nathan Lump, National Geographic’s editor-in-chief, expressed, “At National Geographic, we believe in the transformative power of travel. Our expanded Best of the World franchise serves as the ultimate guide to exceptional experiences that captivate our global community, from hiking in Panama to enjoying live music in Kyoto or bear-watching in Alaska.”
Highlighting the national significance of this achievement, Sagala Ratnayaka, Chief of Staff to the President, emphasized that the Pekoe Trail positions Sri Lanka to attract a trending international tourist segment, offering a world-class nature-based experience in the tea country. He credited the collaborative efforts of various entities, including Plantation companies, Sri Lanka Tourism, the Department of Wildlife Conservation, the Department of Forest Conservation, Sri Lanka Railways, the JEDB, the European Union, and USAID, in creating this world-class walking trail.
The European Union Ambassador to Sri Lanka, H.E. Carmen Moreno, expressed excitement about The Pekoe Trail gaining global recognition, especially during a crucial period for tourism recovery. Funded by the European Union, this unique close-to-nature wellness tourism experience promises economic growth opportunities for communities along the trail. The Pekoe Trail, a 300km, 22-stage journey through the heart of Sri Lanka, has been making waves internationally as a destination for wellness and nature-based travel. Supported by the European Union and USAID, the trail ensures long-term environmental sustainability and supports the social and commercial sustainability of the communities it traverses. The trail is set to open in stages starting November 2023
.National Geographic‘s description of Sri Lanka as virtually synonymous with tea underscores the island’s status as one of the world’s top tea producers. The Pekoe Trail allows visitors to trace the historical footsteps of planters on the country’s first long-distance walking route, starting just outside Kandy. Hikers follow the 19th-century tracks that once transported freshly plucked tea leaves, passing through hill towns and tea estates where they can engage in activities like cooking classes or savor a cup of aromatic Ceylon tea.
Courteney Monroe, President of National Geographic Content, highlighted the brand’s commitment to sharing insights across various categories and platforms, igniting the explorer in everyone. Whether through the pages of National Geographic magazine, @NatGeo on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, the Best of the World franchise aims to inspire travelers globally.
