Friday Jul 03, 2026
Friday Jul 03, 2026
Friday, 3 July 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
THASL President
Asoka Hettigoda
The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) yesterday welcomed the selection of Sri Lanka as the world’s top trending wellness destination for 2026 and stressed the need for greater focus and promotional efforts within the ambit of destination marketing of the country.
As per the latest rankings of BookRetreats.com, Sri Lanka was ranked as the world’s top trending wellness destination for 2026, recording a 100% increase in traffic on a year-on year (YoY) basis.
“It is a testament to Sri Lanka’s growing reputation for exceptional traditional Hela-Ayurveda healthcare, natural beauty, and holistic healing,” said THASL President Asoka Hettigoda, adding “from a Sri Lankan perspective, going beyond normal wellness, it is mainly the ‘Ayurveda’ and ‘Hela Vedakama’ that have been showcased on global platforms.”
Hettigoda said the hard work and commitment shown over several decades by Sri Lankan hotel operators by participating in international travel fairs and exhibitions, road shows, and using digital marketing and social media platforms have carried the message across to the world, bringing credit to the destination and positioning Sri Lanka right on top from a wellness destination perspective.
According to him, a high percentage of wellness accommodation sector properties are members of THASL.
There are many specialised agencies making journeys of travellers seamless by connecting them with trusted specialists, modern hospitals and facilities, and personalised care, all while one recovers/rejuvenates in the world’s most breathtaking destinations. Sri Lanka’s achievement is remarkable when considering the competition from world-class medical facilities.
‘“Ayurveda” and “Hela Vedakama” need greater focus and promotional efforts within the ambit of destination promotions and marketing of Sri Lanka, ushering greater tourist flows to the country, building image, and contributing to improving foreign exchange earnings. Under the brolly of wellness, Sri Lanka can boast of many world-class products, which are little known in the major tourist-generating markets,” he added.
THASL Chief also stressed the BookRetreats.com's 2026 ranking, naming Sri Lanka the world’s top trending wellness destination, is no accident.
“It reflects a deliberate convergence of living traditional medicine, regenerative tourism policy, modern wellness science, and high-end hospitality that is drawing global attention — and spending — from wellness-minded travellers. For business leaders, investors, and hoteliers, Sri Lanka’s rise offers a clear template: fuse cultural authenticity, measurable outcomes, and premium guest experiences while protecting people and place,” he said.
“Sri Lanka is emerging as the ultimate destination for luxury wellness. High-spending travellers now seek authentic, nature-driven therapies over clinical spas. The foundation wellness movement rests on Hela Vedakama. This is Sri Lanka's indigenous system of medicine. It predates modern healthcare by millennia,” THASL Chief said.
“Legend attributes this system to King Ravana. He was a mythical ruler and a master physician. Historical chronicles credit Ravana with authoring foundational medical texts. These include the Arka Prakashaya. It details advanced pharmacological distillations.
Hela Vedakama focuses on deep cellular healing. It views the human body as an extension of nature. Modern luxury travellers are moving away from quick-fix wellness trends. They are investing heavily in these time-tested heritage treatments,” Hettigoda added.
