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Tourism preparations: One step at a time

20 Dec 2020

By Ravini Perera The Sri Lankan tourism industry has made a significant contribution towards the upliftment of economic revival and development in the country. However, compared to the annual record numbers of tourists that arrived in the island in the past, Sri Lanka was left crippled this year, unable to manage expected industry targets due to the travel restrictions imposed worldwide following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. The halting of international flights at the beginning of the year had negative consequences on those dependent on the tourism sector, both directly and indirectly. As a result of this forced closure, many small-scale businesses were left with a bleak outlook of the future. Although initial attempts made by the Government to reopen the airport were unsuccessful, recent discussions have indicated the possibility for the planned resumption of international flights to take place as anticipated. Positive step Speaking to The Sunday Morning on the resumption of international travel, Sri Lanka Tourism Advisory Committee Head and Jetwing Symphony Ltd. Chairman Hiran Cooray expressed optimistic views. “It’s a very positive step taken by the Government and the Ministry of Health to work in collaboration with the tourism sector to find a way to open airports in a systematic manner. We welcome this move wholeheartedly as the country is being opened in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health.” With regard to the time the country is expected to take to regain its former position as a hotspot for foreign visitors, he said that the measures taken are small steps in accordance with the given guidelines and restrictions. “It is not completely conducive for tourist activities or movement of people. But we are hopeful that a considerable number will come. However, to regain our position or for the world to regain the travel habits once again, it may take 12 to 18 months or even two to three years.” Even with the tourism sector facing a standstill, many efforts were made to promote the industry with the assistance of technology. When inquired about future plans to continue such promotional efforts, he said Sri Lanka Tourism and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) are working on such strategies. Furthermore, he said that there are also plans by the private sector to carry out promotional activities in different markets. Cooray further noted that currently, while the main focus in the industry is placed on local tourists, once the borders reopen, they hope to rebuild the tourism industry to what it once was. Commenting on the guidelines brought about for a smooth and secure resumption of tourism-related activities, Cooray highlighted that the following steps will be strictly implemented:
  • First 14 days after arrival in Sri Lanka, foreign visitors will be restricted to the hotel premises until PCR tests are carried out
  • Following three negative PCR tests, the restrictions will be reduced
He further stressed that in order to contain the spread of the virus from foreign tourists, tourists will be expected to stay within a minimum bubble for 14 days, only after which they can venture out. Accordingly, there will also be hotels exclusively allocated for the stay of these foreign guests. When questioned about the hotels that are allocated especially for tourists and the processes to be followed in order to be recognised as one such hotel, Cooray stated that the hotels have not been finalised and named yet. However, they are expected to sign up with KPMG, and once accredited by KPMG, they are expected to register with Sri Lanka Tourism, expressing their interest to be recognised as a Level 1 hotel. He also mentioned that these hotels will not be accessible for locals. “That is a guideline we have to follow in order to make sure the local community will not get infected by tourists. In case a foreign traveller tests positive for Covid-19, there is very minimal possibility of them spreading the virus to the community. Since they are within a bubble, they will be quarantined or isolated till they recover,” he assured. Cooray also spoke on the impact the pandemic has had so far on the livelihoods of many Sri Lankans involved in the tourism sector. Accordingly, the number of those dependent on the industry are comparatively much higher because tourism, unlike any other industry, not only benefits hotels, travel agents, and airlines, but also has an impact on the livelihoods of as trishaw drivers, tour guides, wayside restaurants, and even vendors selling king coconuts, for example. Referring to the hotels used as quarantine centres and the responsibilities of the public, he stated that it is completely up to the owners of each hotel to decide whether they will continue to be quarantine centres or not. However, everyone should follow health guidelines; no new laws have been implemented, but non-compliance with the health guide will entail punishments. Under strict guidelines Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism Prasanna Ranatunga, commenting on the reopening of airports stated that the Government never closed the airports as evidenced by the continuing repatriation process. “We wanted to open the airports for foreign tourists and are awaiting instructions from the Ministry of Health to do so. There are discussions to commence commercial flights and charter flights. We hope to initially commence operations with charter flights as a pilot project. We are trying to start this process from 26 December. “Anyone who wants to bring charter flights will require permission from the Civil Aviation Authority and thereafter, clearance from the Health Ministry. They can, afterwards, operate under the regulations of the Tourist Board (Sri Lanka Tourism),” he said. Explaining further, Ranatunga stated that this is implemented mainly to detect any shortcomings, rectify shortcomings, and gradually start the operation of commercial flights thereafter. He, however, noted that only a limited crowd will be allowed in this instance, as all PCR tests cannot be performed on tourists alone as priority is given to Sri Lankans repatriated from foreign countries. “Once tourists arrive, they have to undergo a PCR test and remain in the hotel without leaving till the test results are released. Provided that the results are negative, they will be permitted to visit the tourist attractions in groups by using the transport provided and allocated especially for them,” the Minister elaborated with regard to the proposed travel bubble system. However, the Minister too stressed that the tourism authorities are awaiting further confirmations and approval from the health authorities to proceed with the intended plans. The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) President and Mount Lavinia Hotel Chairman Sanath Ukwatte commented on the preparations made by the hotels sector to receive foreign travellers. He stated that the sector was well prepared and as of now, over 80 hotels have applied for the required certification. “The hotels have taken all necessary precautions as required by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), and the hotels that have applied for the certification are expecting to receive it in the days to come,” he said. “Many livelihoods are at stake. People have lost jobs and income. Approximately two million benefit from the tourism industry. Thus, indirect beneficiaries are much more in numbers than the direct beneficiaries,” he said when asked about the potential challenges. He said that the decision to restart and give the hotels the green light to proceed was completely up to the health authorities. He said the future is promising as people want to travel, socialise, visit new countries, and experience new cultures. “In this industry, we celebrate a lifestyle. Sri Lanka has culture, beaches, and wildlife. Our country has a lot to offer.” Speaking about the complications of having restrictions and quarantine measures, he stated that there will be a percentage of people who will still travel, but countries with fewer restrictions will definitely attract more tourists. “But given our circumstances, we must prioritise the lives, health, and safety of the 22 million people in our country. Our people need an assurance that we will not compromise their health and safety. Keeping this in mind, we are willing to take up a new challenge and adapt to the new normal concept.” When contacted by The Sunday Morning for an update on the current situation of reopening airports, SLTDA Chairperson Kimarli Fernando stated they are awaiting the Health Ministry guidelines on the health protocol that needs to be followed. The view of many renowned names in the industry is that although the start of the process will be slow, once the world is assured of the standardised procedures being followed locally, more tourists will choose Sri Lanka as a travel destination. It is their hope that with the situation easing in the months to come, the restrictions too can be lessened, encouraging more travellers and some form of normalcy for the industry.

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