Ukrainians’ bubble holidays in Sri Lanka
Amidst intense opposition from tourism authorities and no one to take responsibility for lapses, the first of the tourists since Sri Lanka closed the airport for international traffic arrived this week as a pilot project under a travel bubble concept.
Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairperson Kimarli Fernando had stated in her letter dated December 26 that due to a number of issues “we should not proceed with this pilot project and instead should speak with the key industry players and arrange a well-designed pilot project in January”.
Ukrainian Budget Carrier SkyUp Airlines operated the first charter flight to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) on December 28. The carrier is represented by Acorn Aviation in Sri Lanka.
However, authorities have gone ahead with the plans and as of Thursday it was noted that there were at least five COVID-19 positive cases among the group of 180 Ukranian tourists that arrived in the country on December 28.
Some of the key changes made to the health regulations to welcome the tourists were the reduction of the former mandatory length of stay of 14 days as mooted by the Health Ministry, to seven days quarantine period.
As per Health Ministry guidelines under the previously approved regulations travel agents were required to collect funds for three PCR tests and ensure a COVID -19 insurance is in place.
In her letter she points out that the project promoter, Udayanga Weeratunga, has remained “uncontactable” to Sri Lanka Tourism and has chosen the social media and print media to communicate.
“A project of this magnitude with significant potential social, economic and reputation impact cannot be handled effectively in this way,” she notes.
Other lapses noted are that the SLTDA has received emails from “Committee 05 – Export Development Presidential Task for Economic Revival and Poverty Alleviation” unsigned and without an author, the letter stated.
Ms. Fernando also notes that hotels engaged in the pilot project need to formally be ‘Certified Safe and Secure’ and provide details of bookings and confirmation that they will adhere to Health Ministry Guidelines dated 21/12/2020 and SLTDA guidelines issued in June 2020, including providing daily reports.
However, upon arrival the PCR tests carried out on the tourists at the hotels prior to checking in established that about five had tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.
Moreover, it was found that at least two of the participating hotels, have not been approved by auditor KPMG in order to fulfill the safety requirement. The new health guidelines require tourists to stay at certified hotels.
In fact, travel agents have indicated that the COVID-19 positive persons have expressed regret at being isolated while on holiday. According to the regulations and health authorities these persons have to be isolated and placed in their rooms with regular checks carried out and they would not be allowed to go out.
Moreover, under the previous guidelines where travel agents must inform of their plans and hotels of their conduct of the affairs to the SLTDA, the new regulations call for daily updates to be made to the Health Ministry and the COVID taskforce.
Meanwhile, SLTDA Director General Dhammika Wijayasinghe told the Business Times on Thursday that depending on the requirements of the tourists those that are COVID-19 negative after being subjected to a second PCR test within 5-7 days can tour the country.
Plans are underway to entertain these tourists in locations approved by health authorities like Sigiriya, Yala, Udawalawe, Minneriya and Kaudulla, she said.
Ms. Wijayasinghe noted that the guidelines were developed together with the Health Ministry and signed and issued by the Director General of Health Services.
She also noted that positive persons and first line contacts who health authorities have kept under isolation will not be allowed to go on tours even in the bubble. Those found negative however can go out and even then under strict guidance, the DG said.
Tourists will be taken to the sites only during the designated times given for their visit in a bid to avoid contact with any locals, it was noted.
It is learnt that some in the industry had refused to accept the tourists due to the low-pricing of US$60 per person and US$120 per double, in addition to ensuring the guarantee of tourists.
Meanwhile, Airport and Aviation Services Chief Operations Shehan Sumanasekara explained to the Business Times that they had implemented the guidelines by providing disinfecting the passengers upon arrival before entering the terminal while they were still on the aero bridge.
He pointed out that all were given masks and all of their staff on the ground were also adhering to the rules.
However the mask-less dancers present to perform have now been asked to self-quarantine in their homes since a few tourists were found to be COVID-19 positive, Mr. Sumanasekara said.
More tourists were scheduled to arrive on Saturday as travellers are likely to visit the country until January 19 on charter flights.