THASL, SLAITO warn hit to reviving tourism if health protocols are changed

Monday, 29 November 2021 03:36 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Say existing safeguards are adequate against any impact from new Omicron COVID variant
Industry was anticipating 400,000 tourists with $ 600 m forex earnings until end-April 2022
Opine country cannot afford another lockdown and border closure
Industry stakeholders can work well within bio-bubble concept

The Tourist Hotel Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) and Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) yesterday insisted that current health protocols should continue without any change even though a new Omicron variant of COVID has caused fresh concerns globally.

“Any change to the current health protocols will be detrimental to the tourism industry and it will have a negative impact on the overall economy of the country. Therefore, SLAITO and THASL request the Government to maintain the current status quo pertaining to the health protocols that apply to the foreign passport holders visiting Sri Lanka,” the two organisations said in a joint statement.

They said the service providers in the tourism industry registered with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) have to adhere to stringent health protocols imposed by the health authorities and they have to obtain the certificate issued by KPMG/SLTDA, at all times it is necessary to conform to the health guidelines and protocols of the Ministry of Health. It is to ensure the safety of the service providers, the citizens and the travellers who visit Sri Lanka.

“With flexible and easier health protocols that were implemented by the Government, it was possible to attract tourists during the last three months and there is a positive trend with the arrivals to Sri Lanka increasing month on month. If the trend continues from December to April during the current winter season, the tourism industry is predicting that 400,000 tourists will arrive in the country from 21 November to 22 April,” THASL and SLAITO said.

They said a number of airlines such as Air France, Air Astana, Aeroflot, Go Air and Edelweiss will introduce flights during the current winter season. In addition, many other airlines including the national carrier SriLankan Airlines will gradually increase the frequency and the network. The tour operators have recommenced their programs to Sri Lanka mainly due to the practical health protocols which were introduced by the Government.

“At this stage it is vital to continue with the current health protocols which will encourage the tour operators and the airlines to promote the destination with confidence. If the country is able to attract 400,000 tourists in the next five months it is estimated to generate $ 600 million,” THASL and SLAITO emphasised.

They said there are one million people who are directly and indirectly engaged in the tourism industry and it benefits 2.5 million citizens of the country. “Therefore, it is vital for the overall economy of the country for the tourism industry to revive and move forward,” they added.

Separately newly appointed THASL President M. Shanthikumar yesterday emphasised that the country could not afford another lockdown and border closure following the outbreak of the new Omicron coronavirus variant.

“For the sake of the economy and the tourism industry in Sri Lanka, the need to learn to live with new variants and move on in business affairs seem to be the general belief of industry stakeholders. There is no doubt however that extra vigilance and strict adherence to health and safety protocols set out by the Ministry of Health and SLTDA is of critical importance, in order to protect our staff, guests and the community at large,” Shanthikumar said.

He said THASL membership, by now, have thoroughly trained their staff on health and safety protocols and that most hotels reiterate its importance to their staff on a daily basis across all departments. “One cannot miss out on the signage placed in all operational areas as a reminder for the staff and guests to follow the guidelines,” he said.

“Hoteliers are fighting to keep their operations and secure the jobs of their employees. The accommodation sector cannot suffer further. The SME sector has been badly hit and has virtually collapsed. We cannot have any more job losses,” THASL Chief said.

“One cannot deny that there is an element of risk. The only option is for industry stakeholders to work well within the bio-bubble concept. The quarantine facilities are well in place. Extra vigilance from the point of arrival until departure may help Sri Lanka manage this situation, hopefully without any devastating effects,” Shanthikumar added.