2026 has been a significant year in the evolution of The Pekoe Trail. From strengthening governance and government partnerships to creating greater impact for communities and gaining international recognition, the year has marked an important step forward in establishing The Pekoe Trail as a leading sustainable tourism asset for Sri Lanka.
Strengthening Governance & National Partnerships
A key achievement in 2026 has been the continued strengthening of the governance framework supporting The Pekoe Trail and the development of closer working relationships with key Government institutions.
The Government of Sri Lanka Steering Committee, established in late 2025 and chaired by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, has provided strategic oversight and guidance to The Pekoe Trail Organization (TPTO) throughout the year. The Committee brings together key Government agencies and private sector stakeholders, providing an important platform for collaboration and long term development of the trail.
Throughout the year, TPTO also strengthened its engagement and working relationships with the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Environment, Department of Forest Conservation, Department of Wildlife Conservation, Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs), plantation stakeholders and other relevant Government and land management authorities.
These relationships are particularly important given the diverse landscapes and landholdings through which The Pekoe Trail passes. Closer cooperation with Government and land management authorities is helping strengthen coordination around trail access, conservation, visitor safety, land stewardship, community development and the long term sustainability of the trail.
The strengthened governance and institutional framework provide an important foundation for The Pekoe Trail to continue developing as a nationally significant tourism asset, while ensuring that its development remains aligned with Sri Lanka’s environmental, community and sustainable tourism priorities.
Creating Positive Impact
Beyond being a hiking route, The Pekoe Trail is increasingly becoming a platform for community development, local livelihoods, conservation and sustainable tourism.
During 2026, TPTO continued to develop initiatives that create tangible benefits along the trail corridor, including community infrastructure projects, opportunities for local participation in tourism and conservation activities, and the development of the Pekoe Trail Host Programme.
The Host Programme is designed to create opportunities for community members to participate directly in the tourism economy while enabling visitors to experience the Central Highlands through local knowledge, stories, culture, tea heritage and nature.
A Year of Activity & Collaboration
2026 has also been a year of increased activity around The Pekoe Trail, with growing engagement from hikers, tourism businesses, Government institutions, universities, conservation organisations, development partners and international media.
From community and conservation initiatives to new visitor experiences and international media interest, the trail continues to bring together diverse partners around a shared vision for sustainable tourism in Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands.
Some of the International Recognition – 2023 to Present
The Pekoe Trail’s international recognition has continued to grow since its launch, placing Sri Lanka increasingly on the global hiking and sustainable tourism map.
2026/2027 – Intrepid Travel “Not So Hot List”
The Pekoe Trail has also been included in Intrepid Travel’s Not So Hot List 2027, recognising the Central Highlands as an alternative to more heavily visited destinations. The annual list highlights destinations that offer travelers opportunities to explore lesser known places while encouraging a more responsible and meaningful approach to travel.
2026 – World Trails Network Trail Tourism Award
The Pekoe Trail was shortlisted among the top two tourism trails in the world along with the Trans Canada Trail, for the 2026 World Trails Network Trail Tourism Award. The award recognises excellence and innovation in trail tourism and highlights The Pekoe Trail’s contribution to sustainable destination development, community engagement and regional economic opportunity. The winner will be announced at the World Trails Conference in Australia in October 2026.
2025 – TIME World’s Greatest Places
The Pekoe Trail was recognised by TIME as one of the World’s Greatest Places, bringing international attention to Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands and the trail’s distinctive combination of landscapes, tea country, culture and communities.
2024 – National Geographic Best of the World
The Pekoe Trail was selected among National Geographic’s Best of the World 2024 , Top 20 Travel Experiences, placing the trail among a global selection of notable travel experiences.
2023 – British Guild of Travel Writers Award
The Pekoe Trail received the British Guild of Travel Writers’ Best International Tourism Development Project Award, recognising its contribution to tourism development in Sri Lanka.
Together, these accolades demonstrate the growing international recognition of The Pekoe Trail, not simply as a hiking route, but as an innovative tourism and destination development initiative connecting nature, tea heritage, culture, communities and sustainable tourism.
Looking Ahead
As we look towards 2027, the ambition remains clear, to strengthen The Pekoe Trail as a world class hiking experience while ensuring that tourism creates lasting value for the communities, landscapes and people along the route.
From stronger governance and partnerships to growing international recognition, 2026 has so far laid important foundations for the next chapter of The Pekoe Trail.
