Sigiriya among new Seven Wonders of the World | Page 3 | Sunday Observer

Sigiriya among new Seven Wonders of the World

18 July, 2021
Sigiriya - an icon of Sri Lankan culture and heritage 
Sigiriya - an icon of Sri Lankan culture and heritage 

Sri Lanka Tourism is again in the spotlight with the recent recognition by Bloomberg Businessweek. The Sigiriya Rock Fortress was listed as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, making Sri Lanka the only Asian country to make it onto the list along with six other iconic sites appealing to the new age traveller with a thirst for adventure. These marvels include archaeological and natural treasures spanning far wider than the ancient Greek world and catering to all types of modern explorers

Dating back to King Kashyapa in the fifth century A.D., Sigiriya is the “perfect amalgam of human-made treasure and natural wonder” enthuses Bloomberg. Nicknamed Lion Rock — a reference to the paws sculpted into the base of the 660-foot-tall stone — it includes elaborate cisterns and gardens, frescoed caves, and a winding stairway to the crowning citadel. 

Sri Lanka Tourism has strategically embarked on developing Sigiriya, a World Heritage site, into a sustainable destination under the National Sustainable Destination Certification (NSDC) initiative. Sustainable tourism is essential to protect natural, cultural, and environmental resources which are critical for the wellbeing of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry. If these valuable resources are not sustained, Sri Lanka could see dwindling tourist numbers in the future. 

In keeping with this initiative, single use plastic has been banned in Sri Lanka recently. While sustaining our resources this strategy will also provide locals more opportunities to practice ancient arts and crafts to cater to demand for sustainable materials.

Sri Lanka Tourism continues to study the product and services offered by our regional rivals and differentiate the Sri Lankan Tourism offering while highlighting the multitude of immersive experiences available to explore on the Island. 

Sri Lanka Tourism recognises that to sustain livelihoods dependent on the tourism industry, it is imperative that in addition to regulations, all stakeholders are educated and provided with  tools to develop sustainably. With the assistance of international partner agencies, this initiative is currently in progress with several ongoing pilot projects. 

The Authority is a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), which further strengthens the island›s position as a sustainable destination. Sustainable tourism is no longer an option, it is a crucial element which is essential to the development of the country’s tourism industry.

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