brand logo

Awaiting government permission to restart tourism

04 Oct 2020

By Sarah Hannan Sri Lanka is gearing to receive its first batch of tourists since the pandemic after the Covid-19 outbreak had closed down the airports and seaports for leisure travel. Speaking to The Morning, Minister of Tourism Prasanna Ranatunga said: “Discussions are underway to host the first batch of tourists from North Asian countries. The tour group is to arrive through the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport and will be directly sent to the hotels that they have previously booked. They will be restricted to the hotel premises during their stay and will follow strict health guidelines.” The Minister added that the tour group will be subjected to routine medical screening tests to ensure the spread of Covid-19 is prevented should at least one person get tested positive for the virus. Tour groups from Ukraine, Belarus, and Kazakhstan are expected to commence arrival from October 2020 through April 2021. At least 44,000 pax have already booked their stays at the pre-designated hotels in the south coast, as instructed and agreed upon with the Ministry of Tourism and the healthcare services authorities. According to the travel agreement that is communicated to the groups’ tour operators, they will have to pay a visa fee of $ 100 and undergo PCR tests; one prior to departing their country of origin and another two will be carried out when they arrive at their accommodation three to four days apart.  “They will be strictly monitored and will not be allowed to leave the hotel during the first 14 days of their stay. After they complete the 14-day quarantine vacation stay and are of sound health, they will be permitted to continue with their travel itinerary, which is to be shared with the healthcare authorities,” Minister Ranatunga added. In September, former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia Udayanga Weeratunga in a media statement said that they had conducted a tour promotion after Sri Lanka was recognised as one of the safest destinations to travel amidst the pandemic. “The countries are already prepared to operate 114 flights through six flight operators on a weekly basis, and are estimated to contribute about $ 26 million towards the leisure sector of Sri Lanka in the coming six months,” Weeratunga noted. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism is also looking at introducing an insurance scheme for tourists arriving in the country in the backdrop of Covid-19 still being a threat to the wellbeing of the public.  As the process to be followed is already taking shape, the date of arrival of this tour group is yet to be finalised and awaits government approval.

Kapruka

Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Automobile, Mother and Baby Products, Clothing, and Fashion. Additionally, Kapruka offers unique online services like Money Remittance, Astrology, Medicine Delivery, and access to over 700 Top Brands. Also If you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.Send love straight to their heart this Valentine's with our thoughtful gifts!

Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Automobile, Mother and Baby Products, Clothing, and Fashion. Additionally, Kapruka offers unique online services like Money Remittance, Astrology, Medicine Delivery, and access to over 700 Top Brands. Also If you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.Send love straight to their heart this Valentine's with our thoughtful gifts!


More News..