The introduction of the free visa on arrival facility to 46 countries with effect from August 1 will have major positive impact for the local tourism sector, Minister of Christian Affairs, Wildlife and Tourism, John Amaratunga told a press conference at the Shangri-La Hotel.
He said that they have added six new countries from the original list which includes India, China, Philippines, Norway, Switzerland and Russia. The Minister said that this facility was to be introduced in April but was stalled due to the Easter blasts.
Last year there were around 250,000 Chinese arrivals and this year with the free visa offer and with more aggressive promotions Sri Lanka will pass this mark.
Amaratunga said that the entire terrorist and their supporters involved in the Easter Sunday blasts have been now rounded up and the final mopping up operations are on the way. “This is why the emergency is still implemented and this too would be removed soon. “I believe that Russia will tone down their advisory as and when the emergency is removed soon.
Managing Director, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Charmarie Maelge, said that the Chinese Media group that was brought down by the Ministry is very influential and their positive messages too would help to boost more Chinese arrivals.
Head of Worldwide Sales, SriLankan Dimuth Tennakoon said that the airline did not reduce any flights even after the blasts and will soon introduce a flight to Chengdu. “This will be a thrice a week flight.”
“We will also look at having more alliance with other Chinese airlines to feed Sri Lankan.”
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