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Tuesday, 22 December 2020 02:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Sri Lanka Tourism informed the industry stakeholders that it was still awaiting health authority approval to proceed with the pilot project scheduled on 26 December.
“We are concerned as we are yet to receive the health protocols for the pilot project from the Health Ministry,” industry sources told the Daily FT.
The joint paper including final recommendations in this regard was submitted to health authorities by Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), Civil Aviation Authority (CAASL) and Airport Aviation Services (Lanka) Ltd. last Thursday, but industry claimed that the Health Ministry has not approved the project as of yesterday.
They also asserted that the tourism app, which was to be included in the Immigration online visa application, was still pending Cabinet approval. Sri Lanka Tourism is also awaiting direction from the Health Ministry on the mandatory minimum stay requirement and permission to visit tourism sites, as it needs to inform stakeholders for prior approval.
Sri Lanka Tourism has insisted on the approval for the mobile app and insurance policy for all arrivals, as travellers will then not be an additional financial burden on the health system.
In addition, the hotels participating in the pilot project have been requested to implement Health and Safety Guidelines issued by SLTDA and Health Ministry as well as make prior arrangements with a doctor to monitor health of employees and guests. The details of those must be shared with the Director Generals of the Health Ministry, COVID Taskforce and SLTDA.
SLDA is considering arranging hotels with Police or other authorities to ensure that the hotels are sealed off from the general public during the quarantine period.
Industry stakeholders also said that travel agents would be held accountable to adhere to health protocols during transportation, isolation process and conduct of mandatory PCR test by the Health Ministry. For this purpose, the travel agents have to make arrangements with private hospitals approved by the Health Ministry.
Despite the strict protocols, industry said that Sri Lanka Tourism had cautioned the authorities that several hotels selected for the pilot project had not been audited and certified by the SLTDA.
In dealing with an unprecedented health pandemic, industry experts pointed out that lack of adherence to strict protocols could lead to serious consequences with significant reputation, economic and social impact.
Upon inquiry, a top AASL official said that no final flight schedule had been received so far regarding the reopening of borders on 26 December.
“Discussions are still ongoing and no final flight schedule has been announced. The airports have not been selected as well,” the official told the Daily FT.
