By Savithri Rodrigo
(Commonwealth Union)_The 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards published by global mass media group Conde Nast placed four Commonwealth countries among the Top Ten Friendliest Countries in the World for 2022. Calling the ten countries the most welcoming destinations from all corners of the globe, the Readers’ Choice Awards votes for the most welcoming nations in the world.
New Zealand with its famously open armed population, laid back positive attitude-lifestyle and deep-rooted Maori tradition of respect and equality for all people was a popular choice in third place just after French Polynesia which was voted the world’s friendliest country and Columbia coming in second. The age-old mores have influenced all of New Zealand which showcases immense respect for nature, a trust in each other and a welcoming smile for all visitors who are quickly immersed in this spirit of togetherness that is well worth the laurel of being one of the friendliest countries in the world.
Open communication is an integral part of the Batswana people’s persona, who are extremely proud of their culture, very respectful of their elders and singularly focused on making eye contact, essential to maintaining the integrity and honesty of their character. The famed game reserves and safaris with its amazing array of wildlife, fossilized river valleys and verdant grasslands spreading across the Kalahari Desert and the Okavango Delta, add to this the frank and sincere fundamentals of building deep-rooted relationships places this nation in sixth place among the world’s friendliest countries.
In eighth place is Belize, the melting pot of Central America as described by educator and civil advocate Sebastian Cayetano. There is an immense attraction to the Belize Barrier Reef, amazing snorkeling experiences or underground cave exploration but it is the warm smile of the people with welcoming waves and a quick chat over some homemade cassava bread that makes this melting pot of cultures, traditions and histories a happy and friendly place.
The ever-beaming people of Sri Lanka hold a special place in the hearts of the Conde Nast traveler. Sri Lanka’s heartfelt greeting ‘Ayubowan’ – may you live a long life- is emblematic of a warm island people’s hospitality. The diversity of cultures, religions, ethnicities and even cuisine unites this nation in respect, generosity and a sincerity that comes directly from the heart. While its history reverts to ancient civilizations and its natural beauty speaks of paradise, Sri Lanka’s smiling people should be proud of not just making it into ninth place among the Top Ten but of also being the only South Asian nation to be voted into that honour roll. Now, that’s saying something!
