Hotels Association welcomes request to ease entry requirements for tourists

• Insists quick rebound in tourism can help revive COVID-battered economy, boost foreign exchange earnings 
• Says SL needs to take advantage of successful vaccination campaign, work together with industry stakeholders to put country back on map as sought-after destination

The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) yesterday welcomed moves to ease entry requirements for foreigners, saying a quick rebound in tourism could help revive the COVID-battered economy and boost foreign exchange. Commenting on a request made by Sri Lanka Tourism to the Director General of Health Services, THASL stressed the importance of further relaxing the current protocols in place, especially with multiple global airlines announcing direct flights. 

“The local economy is heavily dependent on the tourism and hospitality industry of the country, with the sector recognised as one of the largest exports, hence it is of utmost importance to the local economy that we look at this move in a strategic sense,” THASL said.  

It said the tourism industry had experienced severe setbacks for over 18 months and it was hopeful that the latest request made by Sri Lanka Tourism would be looked at positively which would result in securing the much-needed winter bookings.  

“For the industry to revive, Sri Lanka needs to be positioned as a potential destination for the coming winter season and only easing of current protocols will assist with the positioning. The request made by Sri Lanka Tourism based on dialogues with industry stakeholders comes days after Aeroflot, Swiss Air and Air France announced direct flights to Sri Lanka and SriLankan Airlines announced direct flights from key source markets, Germany, Russia and France,” THASL said. 

It said to reap the benefits of improved connectivity between Sri Lanka and key source markets it was imperative that the country looked at benchmarking protocols against regional rivals and, in consultation with the recommendations made by local health authorities, start easing entry requirements.  

“It is prudent that we continue to ensure the safety and security of our citizens and whilst following stringent policies, we need to simultaneously look at exploring future business opportunities. The local economy is in dire need of support from the tourism sector to boost much-needed foreign exchange inflows,” THASL said. 

“We are currently in the midst of a successful vaccination drive where according to health authorities we will see results materialise by mid-October to November. This will be in time for the winter season, however if we are to wait till then to pursue potential business, the booking window will not be adequate as travellers will finalise their winter travel plans within the next six to eight weeks,” THASL emphasised.  

It said the Sri Lanka Tourism product impacts a livelihood of over three million with further ripple benefits to various stakeholders, including fishermen, farmers and experiential service providers within the SME sector, in addition to the foreign exchange it brings to the economy. 

“Subsequent to the Easter Sunday attacks, Sri Lanka Tourism has lost out on three winter seasons, which has had a devastating impact on the industry and the local economy. We fear the industry will not be able to sustain a fourth winter season if globally-recognised entry protocol is not implemented. We are extremely grateful to the Government of Sri Lanka and Tourism authorities who continue to look into the revival of the industry and strategise ways in which to recuperate,” THASL said. 

It noted that Sri Lanka was perfectly positioned to attract the post-COVID traveller, with experiential offering and tropical climate. To remain competitive, it will be vital for Sri Lanka to take advantage of successful vaccination campaign and work together with all industry stakeholders to put Sri Lanka back on the map as a much sought-after destination, highlighting ease of travel, which is of utmost importance to travellers. 

THASL said throughout the pandemic Sri Lanka Tourism had acted responsibly to ensure prudent operational mechanisms to warrant the safety of local communities, was overly cautious with protocols when the airport initially opened in January and instrumental in adopting the ‘tourism bio-bubble’ concept, which has been recognised internationally. 

“We are extremely confident that they will continue to do so with the best interest of the industry, benchmarking our protocols with our competitors who are in a similar predicament whilst ensuring the safety and security of the citizens of Sri Lanka as always as a priority,” the THASL statement added.