Sri Lanka
I added an Eco lodge in Sri Lanka yesterday called the Kumbuk River Lodge. Whenever I add a lodge I try to contact the owners or managers to make sure that they are promoting sustainable tourism. Dinesh, the owner, had this to say about the travelers warnings in Sri Lanka “It is true that we have a protracted conflict in our country with some incidents recorded in peaceful areas from time to time. But if one studies the global situation, and take the time to visit Sri Lanka, one would agree that the popular tourist destinations of Sri Lanka are as safe as London, New York or Paris. Sadly the world media only highlights the conflict and the coverage makes it look like the whole of Sri Lanka is a war zone.”
On this same note, I had an email from Ron at Planeta about the situation in Oaxaca, Mexico. He said that things are not as bad as they are made out to be. I think it’s easy to scare people about visiting some foreign places but the truth is more likely that we will be harmed in our own backyards. Don’t let journalistic sensationalism keep you from travelling!
Hi there,
If Sri Lanka is being proclaimed from time immemorial as one of the world’s most beautiful countries, why is it that the island’s tourism industry is reeling today with just few visitors. It is sad that such an amazing treasue is not protected by its own government (see what Malaysia and Thailand have done with much much less) and more crucially, mind-boggling to see exagerated attention on its civil conflict by the world media destroying this incredible destination. For those of us who know this paradise inside out, it will remain as one of the places to visit in 2007. It is quite heartning to see beautiful new places like KumbukRiver coming up, showing signs of resilience. If you visit KumbukRiver you will always go back. It is absolutely spellbinding, as the website says.