Sri Lanka Tourism plans for an early revival post-COVID-19, as the country starts opening up gradually from next week.
”A major step was the Cabinet approval of the critical five-year global promotion initiative last week and the process will start when the time is right,” s Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson Kimarli Fernando said.
Sri Lanka Tourism is also currently working with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in a three-stage strategy of situation assessment, impact assessment and road mapping, to help get tourism industry back on its feet.
There are 11,071 registered entities and individuals and there are 2,669 accommodation facilities with 39,253 rooms.
“Tourism in Sri Lanka is an industry built on diversity and inclusivity, the input and collaboration of all tourism organisation is critical in the current situation, and would be of great benefit in planning the future.
She said despite the uncertainty of the current situation, it is necessary to address day-to-day matters, whilst maintaining the foresight to plan ahead.
COVID-19 also provides us with an opportunity for Sri Lanka Tourism to re-profile itself when the time is right. “We can realign our focus towards higher-yielding tourists and a unique Sri Lankan experience; while ensuring the safety of travellers, our employees and citizens.”
Sri Lanka Tourism’s post-COVID-19 approach takes is in two stages. “Stage 1 focuses on the immediate recovery of the industry, which involves changes to the visa process to include mandatory testing, adjustments to the immigration process, airport entry, hotel transfer and certification of hotels to ensure health and safety of tourists, employees and the local community.
Under the second stage designated quarantine hotels need to be established with staff safety being paramount. With advice from the Ministry of Health, a detailed guideline will be released.
Rigorous health and safety activities incur costs and as such, it is recommended that a minimum pricing structure be established for accommodation, avoiding undercutting and the resulting race to the bottom.
“In the spirit of global solidarity, we would also recommend an optional rapid test on departure at Sri Lanka Tourism cost, with results to be instantly messaged. Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson also stressed that the Government and the Central Bank have extended their fullest support to fast track industry recovery.
“We look to the banks and financial institutions to support us and stand by our industry. We are personally contacting banks to assist our industry and currently working on how to support the industry for payment of salaries for the lower brackets and individuals with no safety net, through engagement with international funding agencies,”
“COVID-19 was a severe blow to the industry which was still recovering from Easter Sunday attacks last April.”
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