TikaWeeks #40/2026: Sri Lanka update
Posted by John on 3rd October 2026
Does AI help or hinder authentic, experiential travel?
Now Pandora’s Box is open, there is no going back – Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here to stay and will undoubtedly shape the way people travel in the future. We have already experienced its advantages over the past year, with potential customers finding us through searches in ChatGPT and deep dives into Google AI – and without costing us a penny! Many leads have also created outline itineraries with AI, passing them on to us for further fine-tuning through our expert knowledge of Sri Lanka. Slightly surprisingly, most of these enquiries have been generated by senior travellers who seem to have taken to the technology like a duck to water and run with it (or is that swam with it!). Long may it continue.
Justin Francis OBE, the founder of Responsible Travel, recently posted on LinkedIn how future travel may look like:
“Back in the day, I was an analogue traveller. I spent a year travelling through Africa with a tent. No communication home for months at a time. A Lonely Planet guidebook, local people for company, and a lot of uncertainty. It was total escape. Total immersion.
Fast forward to today, and the travel experience is heading in a very different direction. In The Wall Street Journal, Booking.com CEO Glenn Fogel describes a future where AI acts as a personal travel assistant: anticipating weather disruptions, rearranging itineraries, and solving problems before they arise. Essentially, a truly helpful "travel agent in your pocket".
To be fair, that sounds pretty appealing. I spent my share of time waiting for buses, ferries and trains that never arrived. But not everyone wants a more connected travel experience.
Hilton's 2025 Trends Report found that 24% of travellers disconnect from social media more than they used to while on holiday, while 74% want recommendations from locals, signalling a growing desire for human connection and authentic experiences over algorithm-driven ones.
This is where the idea of analogue travel becomes interesting. It may be the antidote to what some are calling "desperate tourism": the growing pressure to keep up, see the right places, take the right photos, and share the right experiences.
Smartphones, social media and creator culture have changed travel from something we experience into something we're often expected to document, optimise and broadcast. The result can be travel anxiety rather than travel freedom. Instead of being present in a destination, we're worrying about how it will look on a screen.
AI may become the best travel agent we've ever had. But as travellers and travel companies, we still need to decide how much of the experience we want technology to curate for us.
The balance between convenience and discovery, optimisation and serendipity, AI and analogue, feels like one of the most important travel questions of our time.
How far should we go?”
Provocative stuff, but I would be interested in your thoughts on travel’s evolution as I am of the analogue traveller’s mind, hence Tikalanka.
Peace or War – the continuing Middle East conflict
As the USA and Iran trade accusations and rockets, arrange then deny peace talks, and push the price of a barrel of oil to all-time highs, travel goes on. The greatest impact for us has been the initial official government advice against travel to UAE, which basically blocked all flights with our major carriers through their hubs in the Middle East, and now the loss of confidence in flying through the region or using non-direct flights.
Fortunately, SriLankan Airlines flies direct, non-stop daily to Sri Lanka from London Heathrow, and British Airways is relaunching its schedule to Sri Lanka from next month, offering direct, non-stop flights to Sri Lanka from London Gatwick on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, returning on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday until the end of March 2027.
We also offer Turkish Airlines flying via Istanbul.
Sri Lanka accommodation
Uga Resorts
Uga Prāva has just celebrated its first anniversary along the shores of Tangalle in Sri Lanka’s deep south. So far, hotels on this coastline are rare and you will find sublime isolation at Uga Prāva, inspired by the Sanskrit word “pravala” meaning coral, which embodies the hotel’s ethos – merging sophisticated luxury, and oneness with nature to offer a holistic, soul-renewing experience. Step in, let tranquillity and rest embrace you in the modern, minimalist spaces. Step out, and the seemingly endless ocean before you will set free your mind from life’s confines.
Why Uga Prāva:
- Breathtaking location: on the unspoilt coastline of Tangalle
- Minimalist elegance: seven suites with glorious ocean views
- Magical setting: one hectare of tropical gardens
- Endless ease: infinity pool aligned with the sea
- Peaceful pace: tranquil spa and yoga for rejuvenation
Uga Halloowella near Hatton in the western Hill Country also celebrated its first year in operation earlier this year and has garnered a few awards along the way. Condé Nast Traveller readers ranked Halloowella fifth in Asia at the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, placing Uga Halloowella among the region’s most exceptional destinations. Uga Resorts’ culinary philosophy has also been celebrated, with National Geographic Traveller awarding it Runner-Up honours in the ‘Food Hero’ category, affirming the belief that local ingredients and time-honoured recipes can serve as meaningful gateways to cultural discovery. These recognitions confirm the luxury brand’s design, cuisine, and hospitality are transformative when they are rooted in genuine connection rather than simply in polished performance.
Another Uga Resorts property opened its doors in July this year with the unveiling of Uga Ghiri. Named as one of the world’s most exciting hotel openings for 2026, Uga Ghiri arrives in Sri Lanka’s Hill Country with the quiet confidence of a brand that knows exactly what it is doing. Set on a four-hectare hillside estate on the historic Sutherland Tea Estate in Ella – one of the region’s most scenically dramatic highland towns – the retreat offers just 15 villas overlooking emerald tea plantations and the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, the 1919 brick-and-stone viaduct that has become one of Sri Lanka’s most recognisable landmarks. Each villa spans 130 square metres with a private outdoor jacuzzi and uninterrupted views of Nine Arch Bridge at sunrise. A naturalist team at Uga Ghiri has recorded 177 species onsite so far, from the Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill and Sri Lanka Birdwing to Pink Skimmers, Calotes, tree frogs, African Tulips and barking deer. And the list continues to grow.
While Uga Ulagalla and Uga Chena Huts have had a refresh…
Some places have a character that is worth preserving. At Uga Ulagalla, making thoughtful changes to the spaces while keeping its connection to the land and the quiet rhythms of rural Sri Lanka at the heart of the experience has enhanced the property. The main house, home to the restaurant, bar and lounge, has been refreshed with new details that bring a renewed sense of warmth to the spaces where guests come together. The pool has also been given a fresh look, while the villas are being updated with new soft furnishings, introducing subtle changes in colour, texture and comfort while retaining their natural character. Kamatha, the open-air dining space, has also been refreshed, with a new section creating a place to enjoy sundowners as the day draws to a close.
After a short pause, Uga Chena Huts will welcome back guests to Yala next month, with a renewed look across some of its most familiar spaces. The restaurant, bar, sundowner beach bar and reception have all been refurbished, bringing a fresh sense of character and a more considered feel to the places that shape a stay there. At the restaurant, signature meals now come with a renewed setting, complemented by an extended outdoor deck that opens up more space to dine surrounded by the sights and sounds of Yala. The bar has also been refreshed as a place to linger a little longer after a day in the park. By the coast, the sundowner beach bar has been reimagined, creating a setting for those unhurried moments when the light begins to soften and the day slowly gives way to evening.
Resplendent Ceylon
Wild Coast Tented Lodge near Yala reopened its doors with thoughtfully renewed spaces, a new Library Cocktail Bar, Dune Lounge, and The Oculus – home to the Quarry Gym and Fossil Room. A new chapter of adventure in the wilderness begins. Read more
Cape Weligama on the island's south coast has become the first property in Sri Lanka to achieve the Condé Nast Traveller Triple Crown – recognised across the Hot List, Readers’ Choice Awards, and Gold List 2026. A milestone over a decade in the making. Read more
Ceylon Tea Trails in the western Hill Country has been recognised among the top three Lodges at the Hôtel & Lodge Awards 2026, featured in The 100 Most Beautiful Hotels in the World. A proud recognition of Sri Lanka's tea country heritage on the world stage. Read more
Teardrop Hotels
Camellia Hills, overlooking Castlereagh Reservoir in the western Hill Country, now has air-conditioning in all of its five bedrooms to ensure year-round comfort for guests. Although the climate is much cooler in the hills, particularly at night, there are seasons when air-conditioning is very welcome, but you don't have to use if you prefer.
There are also the following special offers at its properties:
- Stay 2 nights at Kumu Beach and 2 nights at Tri for 40% off. Nights must be consecutive. Valid for stays until 19 December 2026.
- Stay 3 consecutive nights and get 25% off. Valid for stays at selected hotels until 19 December 2026, from 01 to 21 March and from 05 to 30 April 2027.
- Stay 4 nights or more at Kalkudah Beach House for a 15% discount. Valid until 19 December 2026, and again between 11 January and 30 June 2027.
KK Collection
At Kahanda Kanda, there is a 10% early bird discount for bookings made 45 days in advance. Valid for stays from 23 December 2026 to 30 April 2027.
Union Resorts
Water Garden Sigiriya and Glenross Living, inland from Kalutara along the island's west coast in a rubber plantation, both offer four nights for the price of three nights on B&B until 30 April 2027.
Recent Travel Events
I managed to make my way south out of the far eastern fells of the Lake District to London and Brighton last month for the annual get-togethers with like-minded colleagues.
First up, The Sri Lanka Collection event in Hammersmith, where Eleanor showcases her stable of Sri Lanka hoteliers to the UK travel industry. Arranged like a speed dating meeting (so I hear!), the various hoteliers move between tables presenting their various offerings. It was great to catch up with Tim Edwards from Gal Oya Lodge and The Sun House, Tim Jacobson from Manor House Concepts, George Cooper from KK Collection, Manoj Devaraj from Teardrop Hotels, Ashwin Joseph and Ajith Wijeyesekera from Union Resorts, Radheesh Sellamuttu from Kumana Under Canvas and Leopard Trails – Yala & Wilpattu, and learn about Why House from Eleanor’s colleague, Emma. Sean Dwight from Cinnamon Air also circulated to discuss the option of internal flights within Sri Lanka, both scheduled and charter flights.
The highlight for me this year was a unique opportunity to meet and see a presentation by Miguel Cunat, the founder of The Pekoe Trail, Sri Lanka’s answer to the Camino de Santiago and a community project par excellence. Miguel’s ingenuity, compassion, perseverance, patience, diplomacy and infectious enthusiasm drove the project forward for over a decade before it was launched in 2023. He is an extraordinary person who has changed the face of hiking in Sri Lanka by researching and developing a 300-km-long, 22-stage hiking trail through the island’s dramatic and enigmatic Hill Country – a colossal feat of endurance, negotiating with five government departments and 13 tea estate companies to finally get the project off the ground. All hail San Miguel!
I love going to the Responsible Travel Open House in Brighton every year. I stay with my nephew locally, lunch with old mates Lesley and Dan from All Points East as well as Alison our partnership manager at Responsible Travel, also an old friend, then enjoy an afternoon and evening in the company of like-minded colleagues new and old. Loved the day, as always, but missed Justin who was away recuperating after a recent operation. The format is structured but informal, allowing lots of interaction and discussion. This year’s hot topic was how to measure and track your company’s economic impact on the local population, which, as it turns out, we significantly contribute to in most of our operations in Sri Lanka.
Travel and the Climate Crisis
When you fly to Sri Lanka from the UK, your flights contribute to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, in fact around 80% of your carbon footprint for a two-week holiday to Sri Lanka is solely produced by the flights. Staying longer on the island will reduce the overall impact, and you can always contribute to local environmental projects at home to reduce the effect even further.
Driving around in conventional combustion-engined vehicles also produces GHGs and we are including fully electric vehicles (EVs) as much as possible for our transfers from the airport to Colombo, Negombo and beyond to help ameliorate the damaging effects.
The majority of our accommodation is Sri Lankan owned and managed, and many guesthouses and hotels have installed solar-thermal heating for supplying hot water and solar photovoltaic panels for producing electricity. All of our accommodation provides locally sourced food and much of it is organically grown, which helps to keep the carbon footprint of what you eat as low as possible.
However, some factors affecting global heating are beyond our direct control. This year’s El Niño is one of the most intense ever and Sri Lanka, like a lot of Asia, has borne the brunt of its effects. A recent article in The Guardian (‘Forcing a reckoning’: How Asia is preparing for a ‘supersized’ El Niño, 18 September 2026) highlights how changing or intensifying weather patterns are having a detrimental effect on the island’s water supply, with plans to utilise sea water desalination plants in the Colombo area if water shortages worsen. The article is a little misleading when it comes to Yala’s closure at the beginning of this month, which is an annual event and not a consequence of El Niño.
Cyclone Ditwah last November and El Niño this year have impacted Sri Lanka significantly, but many other countries across the world are also having serious weather events and need to prepare for unpredictable weather patterns and the consequences in the future, including the UK. Travellers are becoming more sensitive to local conditions in the countries they are planning to visit and certainly weather effects that worsen already weak infrastructure or cause significant damage to buildings, roads and land are worth considering before travelling. Whether or not you should travel if a country is affected by a drought or cyclone is a personal choice, of course, but remember that the nation affected still needs to appreciate that other countries are aware of their plight and visiting is a bold statement of your intention to support the local people and contribute valuable foreign currency to the local economy.
EU Directive on Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition (Directive (EU) 2024/825)
The EU Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive (EU) 2024/825 became fully enforceable on 27 September 2026, introducing strict bans on greenwashing, vague environmental claims, and hidden product obsolescence across the European Union (EU).
We wholeheartedly agree with the new EU directive since we follow responsible travel principles throughout our operation and vehemently oppose greenwashing in any form as well as misleading environmental claims. If we do include contentious naming or descriptions in our accommodation listings, then it will be claims by the accommodation itself and not Tikalanka e.g. Borderlands Eco Lodge and Flameback Eco Lodge both claim to be “eco” in their titles, while Mahoora Safari Camps claim to be "carbon neutral". Consequently, it is the responsibility of the accommodation to verify these claims and not Tikalanka.
As a summary, the core prohibitions and rules of the new EU directive include:
- No Vague Claims – Sweeping generic terms like "eco-friendly," "green," "natural," or "environmentally friendly" are banned unless backed by officially recognised certification schemes (like the EU Ecolabel).
- Offset Bans – Claims of "carbon neutral," "neutral," or reduced carbon footprint cannot rely on greenhouse gas offset credits.
- Label Restrictions – Voluntary sustainability labels must be verified by an independent third party or established by public authorities.
- Future Performance – Environmental claims about future targets require clear, publicly available implementation plans backed by independent verification.
- Early Obsolescence – Practices that limit product durability, falsely claim a part is repairable, or prompt unnecessary software updates/consumable replacements are outlawed.
Please contact us if you would like to discuss our Responsible Travel policy or our commitment to sustainability and community tourism.
Categories: Accommodation, Culture, Flights, News, Sightseeing, Sri Lanka, Sustainability, Weather
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