From stronger partnerships and improved trail access to community development, digital innovation and growing international recognition, the first half of 2026 marked an important period of progress for The Pekoe Trail Organization.
The first six months of 2026 have been a period of continued growth and consolidation for The Pekoe Trail Organization (TPTO).
Following The Pekoe Trail’s transition from a donor funded initiative to an independent operating organization, our focus has been on strengthening the foundations required to manage and grow Sri Lanka’s first long distance hiking trail for the long term. This has meant working across governance, trail operations, partnerships, community development, conservation, visitor management and destination promotion.
As we look back at January to June, one thing is clear: The Pekoe Trail is continuing to evolve beyond a hiking route. It is becoming a platform for collaboration, community livelihoods, conservation and sustainable tourism development across Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands.
Strengthening the Foundations for Long Term Sustainability
A key priority for TPTO has been strengthening the institutional relationships and governance structures that support the long-term sustainability of the trail.
The Government of Sri Lanka Steering Committee, established in late 2025 and chaired by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, continued to provide strategic oversight during the first half of the year. The committee brings together key Government agencies and private sector stakeholders to support the development and long term sustainability of The Pekoe Trail.
During this period, TPTO strengthened engagement with the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure and initiated formal discussions with Regional Plantation Companies operating along the trail corridor.
For a trail that passes through diverse landscapes and communities, collaboration with landowners, Government institutions and local stakeholders is essential. These partnerships are helping create a stronger framework for shared stewardship of the trail and the destinations through which it passes.
Building New Partnerships Along the Trail
One of the significant milestones during the reporting period was the formal onboarding of the Janatha Estates Development Board (JEDB) as a collaborative partner of The Pekoe Trail.
TPTO also continued its work with a growing network of conservation organizations, development partners, tourism stakeholders, Destination Management Companies, accommodation providers and community partners.
Collaborations during this period included engagement with the Wilderness and Wildlife Conservation Trust, Zero Plastic Movement, Earth Citizens Club and WSO2, among others.
Discussions also commenced with GIZ and UNOPS on potential future initiatives focusing on biodiversity, waste management and community development in the Central Highlands.
These partnerships recognise the important role that The Pekoe Trail can play as a platform for conservation and sustainable rural development, connecting visitor experiences with positive outcomes for the landscapes and communities that make the trail unique.
Improving the Trail Experience
Maintaining a 300 km trail across 22 stages is a continuous process. During the first six months of 2026, significant work was undertaken to improve access, restore affected sections and enhance safety across the route.
Stage 04 Reopens
Following extensive maintenance and restoration work, Stage 04 was officially reopened.
The work included clearing heavily overgrown sections, repairing damaged pathways, installing protective fencing and restoring the original trail alignment. Temporary detours that had been introduced following Cyclone Ditwah were also removed where possible.
The reopening was an important step in restoring continuity along the trail and improving the hiking experience.
Planning the Future of Stage 02
Significant progress was also made on the proposed re-routing of Stage 02.
Ground assessments, route planning, GPS mapping and stakeholder consultations were undertaken, together with preliminary approval processes. The proposed new alignment aims to enhance the visitor experience while supporting the long-term sustainability and resilience of the trail.
Across the wider route, routine maintenance continued with vegetation clearing, waymark repainting, drainage work, safety inspections and minor infrastructure repairs.
Using Technology to Strengthen Visitor Management
Digital systems continue to play an increasingly important role in managing The Pekoe Trail.
The Trail Watch App became fully operational during the reporting period and continues to evolve as an important visitor safety and trail management tool. The platform enables hikers to report hazards and obstacles, submit trail condition updates and share GPS-based observations, helping TPTO respond more effectively to changing conditions on the ground.
The wider Pekoe Trail digital ecosystem has also continued to support hikers through:
- Mobile navigation linked to trail access
- Stage-specific route information
- Google Map integrations
- Trail condition updates
- Safety notifications
Meanwhile, TPTO continued to expand its accommodation directory, providing hikers with more information on hotels, guesthouses, homestays, estate bungalows and community-based accommodation providers along the trail.
This helps make trip planning easier while increasing visibility and opportunities for businesses operating within trail communities.
Creating Impact Beyond the Trail
At the heart of The Pekoe Trail is a simple belief: tourism should create benefits for the people and places that make the visitor experience possible.
During the first half of 2026, TPTO continued to invest in community development initiatives along the trail corridor.
A New Play Space for Kew Estate
The Early Childhood Development Centre improvement project at Kew Estate was successfully completed and officially handed over to the community.
With support from WSO2 for the school and contributions from The Pekoe Trail hiker for the playground, the project delivered playground equipment, a dedicated play area, secure perimeter fencing and an improved environment for children.
The project is an example of how tourism can be used as a platform to create meaningful benefits beyond the trail itself.
Creating New Opportunities Through the Pekoe Trail Host Programme
A major focus during the period was the continued development of the Pekoe Trail Host Programme.
The programme is being designed to create a structured pathway for community members to participate directly in the tourism economy while enhancing the visitor experience.
Community Hosts will receive training in areas including trail guidance, visitor interaction, hospitality, storytelling, responsible tourism, first aid and emergency response.
The programme will also support the development of Specialist Hosts who can offer thematic experiences such as:
- Biodiversity interpretation
- Birdwatching
- Tea heritage
- Tea tastings
- Cultural experiences
- Traditional food
- Community storytelling
The Pekoe Trail Host Programme is expected to become an important part of the trail’s community engagement model, creating opportunities for local people while giving hikers deeper and more authentic ways to experience Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands.
Engaging Young People in Conservation and Sustainable Tourism
TPTO also continued to work with students and young people to build awareness around conservation and responsible tourism.
Students from Uva Wellassa University participated in trail maintenance and conservation activities on Stages 15 and 16, supporting trail repainting, waymark maintenance, litter collection and environmental awareness.
TPTO also conducted educational sessions focused on sustainable tourism development, community-based tourism, visitor management, heritage conservation and tourism entrepreneurship.
These initiatives help introduce the next generation of professionals to the opportunities and responsibilities involved in developing sustainable tourism.
Developing The Pekoe Trail Signature Experiences
During the first half of the year, TPTO also advanced plans for a new portfolio of Pekoe Trail Signature Experiences.
These curated experiences are being developed to provide hikers with more ways to connect with local culture, tea heritage, nature and communities, while creating additional income opportunities for people living and working along the trail.
The portfolio is expected to include:
- Hosted group treks
- Exclusive private hosted hikes
- Community-led experiences
- Tea and heritage experiences
- Nature and biodiversity experiences
- Specialist hiking experiences
TPTO is currently developing the operational procedures, booking processes and quality standards required to support these products.
The first Signature Experiences are expected to be piloted on selected stages from September 2026, subject to final operational readiness.
Growing International Recognition
The first half of 2026 also brought continued international recognition for The Pekoe Trail and Sri Lanka’s growing profile as a hiking destination.
In May, The Pekoe Trail was shortlisted for the World Trails Network Trail Tourism Award 2026, recognising contributions to trail-based tourism, community development, sustainable destination management and regional economic growth.
The shortlisting places Sri Lanka among leading trail destinations globally and highlights the progress of The Pekoe Trail’s regenerative tourism model.
As part of this recognition, TPTO Executive Director Pramudith Thenabadu has been invited to speak at the World Trails Conference in Australia in October 2026, where he will present on The Pekoe Trail and its contribution to community-based tourism, sustainable destination development and local livelihoods.
TPTO also hosted a Dutch television production crew during the reporting period. The team filmed content for a European documentary exploring themes including community tourism, sustainability, cultural heritage, conservation and local livelihoods.
Expected to air later in 2026, the production will provide another opportunity to introduce international audiences to the landscapes, communities and stories of The Pekoe Trail.
Looking Ahead
As TPTO moves into the second half of 2026, our focus remains on continuing to strengthen the systems, partnerships and experiences that will support the trail’s long-term future.
Priority areas include expanding the Pekoe Trail Host Programme, continuing engagement with Regional Plantation Companies, progressing biodiversity and waste management initiatives, expanding trail signage, supporting further community infrastructure projects and developing new visitor experiences.
International marketing, media engagement and conservation partnerships will also remain important as we continue to position Sri Lanka as a globally competitive destination for sustainable, nature-based and experiential tourism.
A Shared Journey
The progress made during the first six months of 2026 reflects the efforts of many people and organizations.
The Pekoe Trail is supported by local communities, estate management, Government agencies, conservation organizations, universities, volunteers, tourism businesses, accommodation providers, development partners and hikers from around the world.
As we continue this journey, our vision remains clear: to enhance local lives and landscapes while delivering a world class hiking experience that creates lasting value for Sri Lanka and its people.
The Pekoe Trail’s story belonging to all Sri Lankans, is still being written and we look forward to what the next chapter will bring.
