SL Tourism calls on UK to further relax travel advisory

Sri Lanka Tourism has requested the UK Government for a greater win over the travel advisories imposed on the country, insisting that the ground realities have improved significantly.

“I have written to the British High Commission in Colombo further explaining reasons we feel that the travel advisories should be further softened. 

I have highlighted the remarkable improvements in the ground situation with no gas shortages, whilst fuel for tourists’ movement has been facilitated with a greater level of efficiency,” Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Chairman Priantha Fernando said issuing a statement.

It also highlighted how the SLTDA is continuously working with industry stakeholders to ensure that tourists visiting Sri Lanka will have an enjoyable holiday in the beautiful country.

The latest provisional data released by SLTDA shows that the UK topped the tourist traffic to Sri Lanka with 18% or 6,495 as of yesterday. It is a clear indication that despite the adverse travel advisories imposed by the UK authorities, the travellers had still visited Sri Lanka.

SLTDA has also informed the High Commission on the ‘tap-and-go’ fuel card, which will come into operation around 10 September for registered travel agents, allowing e-transactions with over 600 dedicated fuel stations countrywide.

He said the assurance given by the Power and Energy Minister on 25 August in respect of the availability of jet fuel for airlines was also highlighted.

“I am confident that British High Commissioner Sarah Hulton will appraise officials of the ground realities and assist in getting the travel advisories further relaxed in the coming days,” Fernando added.

Citing that Sri Lanka Tourism is working with a long-term vision and not with a short-term gain, SLDA Chief noted they will be the first to advice if the environment was not conducive for tourism.

“As Sri Lankans, we all have a responsibility to build the brand image of the country, to be the hospitable and welcoming host we have always been throughout history. We need to work on the dissemination of positive and factually correct messaging through communications with regards to Sri Lanka,” Fernando said.