Sri Lanka Tourism wins Best Long Haul Destination for Families at the UK Family Traveller Awards 2017

The Family Traveller Awards 2017 attracted a record 45,000 votes from the popular magazine and website’s readership this year demonstrating just how important a sector this is for the UK travel industry.  Over 2300 companies were nominated and 240 were shortlisted for 20 categories with the winners announced at a buzzing awards ceremony in central London.

Readers voted on every element of a family trip from the transport to the tour operator and from the accommodation to the kids’ club. The results clearly showed parents are looking for active and culturally enriching holidays over and above lazy fly and flop options.

Holidays designed to enrich the lives of children are becoming increasingly popular signalling the demand by parents to use the time together as richly as possible.   Hotels are improving their facilities and services for families, and kids’ clubs are increasingly focusing on providing its mini members with local and cultural experiences inside and outside of the hotel property.

Jane Anderson, editor of Family Traveller magazine said:

“Transformative travel, authentic experiences and active outdoorsy holidays are on the rise for families.  The industry has clearly recognised that parents and carers are seeking enriching experiences and are providing holidays which are tailored, great value and leave their customers with memories to treasure for years to come.”

"I'm thrilled to see Sri Lanka winning Best Long Haul Destination for Families in the Family Traveller Awards 2017. Every family I speak to who has visited the country recently, whether travel writer, reader or friend, comes back bursting with enthusiasm and wonder at the culture, landscapes, nature, accommodation and very warm welcome they receive. There's a buzz about the place that's palpable."

The panel of judges consisted of a range of travel experts, including: Jane Anderson, editor of Family Traveller magazine; Simon Reeve, BBC presenter; Mariella  Frostrup, BBC Radio 4 presenter; Sue Ward Davies, travel director of ELLE and Jane Knight, travel editor of The Times. Shortlists of every category were then put to the public vote.

Family Traveller has made its mark as the trusted authority on family travel in the UK.  Its website and magazine are the first port of call for parents looking for inspiration and information whether that’s on a day trip to London or an adventure on the other side of the globe.  This year this popular brand has expanded to launch in the USA both online and in print.

Nalin Perera from Sri Lanka Tourism commented:

"Our visitors endorsement is the best measure of success and we are absolutely delighted and thrilled that our visitors have had such an encouraging response regarding their experiences in Sri Lanka.

Nalin Perera from Sri Lanka Tourism in the UK after receiving the award with Jane Anderson, Editor / Family Traveller and Alice Beer / UK television presenter