Tourism expects 20% drop in arrivals
Sri Lankan tourism authorities and the industry have made efforts to assist travellers in the country amidst the West Asia crisis as the destination believes going forward there could be an immediate 20 per cent drop in arrivals.
The war is expected to immediately witness a 20 per cent drop in arrivals as numbers plunged from around 8500 to 6000 per day, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam told the Sunday Times Business.
At the time of the war broke out a majority of tourists were from India, Europe, the Far East and other countries.
Realistically those affected are about 3500 and a majority have arrived with tour operators, Mr. Hewawasam said.
Tour Operators Association have confirmed to authorities that approximately 1500 tourists are within their group and they are being looked after until flights are arranged.
Those with travel insurance of their own are also able to reimburse these monies to help them stay in the country until arrangements are made to return.
Travellers arriving without travel insurance have been asked to be in touch with the authorities for necessary assistance, the chairman noted.
Up until Friday only about three French tourists have been in touch with authorities for support for hotel accommodation and have been provided facilities in Colombo, he noted.
Those travelling directly from West Asia are less than 300 and 1200 Israelis are also in the country.
Mr. Hewawasam noted that they have been in touch with the airlines and embassies to obtain additional flights together with the Tourism Ministry to help these travellers to head back home. Those bound for Europe will be able to get flights within a week’s time, the chairman said.
Director General Civil Aviation (DGCA) Capt. Daminda Rambukwella said about 288 arrivals and departure flights had been cancelled since February 28.The Oman airspace was opened fully and the UAE which temporarily opened since March 2. They have air defense systems that have to be deactivated in order to open the airspace, he said. On Friday Etihad and Emirates resumed limited operations from Abu Dhabi and Dubai respectively to a number of key destinations including Colombo.
UAE has been opening its airspace from time to time and all flights from the region are not scheduled at the moment, the DGCA said.
Deputy Tourism Minister Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe has asked hotels to help stranded tourists by ensuring that they are provided food and accommodation.
Moreover, the industry noted that going forward they need to focus on India and Australia to generate increased traffic. Most Indians are said to travel to West Asia during the holiday season and they could be asked to make plans to now head to Colombo, it was proposed at a recent meeting at the Presidential Secretariat.
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