Tourism eyes marketing push as “economic crash” looms
With the tourism industry seeing around 25 per cent cancellations the industry wants to project the country as a safe and secure destination for business or leisure as the sector braces for a fallout from the war in West Asia.
Former Hotels Association President M. Shanthikumar said they have received cancellations amounting to around 25 per cent and this slide could grow until the war eases.
Travel is impeded on tourists flying in via the Gulf region with either cancellations or postponements and some even opting to travel on alternate routes, he said.
Hoteliers have been in talks with the tourism authorities and government to ensure priority and assistance in continuing their operations as travelers continue to arrive by ensuring a steady supply of gas, petrol, diesel and electricity.
Mr. Shanthikumar noted that with widespread social media reports of a possible electricity shortage they have requested authorities to ensure they are not affected.
In this regard, authorities have already provided a special QR code for the purchase of fuel although a few hiccups are still seen in certain areas.
The industry has also requested to purchase fuel from the Police, Sri Lanka Transport Board and Army petrol stations for which so far they have received a positive response.
Tour Operators Association President Nalin Jayasundere said there should be a concerted effort to ensure the country’s image is being showcased as a safe and secure destination for travel.
The need of the hour is to ensure tourists will be welcome and request those airlines operating to Sri Lanka to increase the number of flights per week and explore possibility of using Mattala as a hub as well, Mr. Jayasundere said.
Joint marketing campaigns with other airlines and provide concessions to travellers would be a viable option to engage in at the moment, he explained.
Tourism Authority Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam has been informed of this proposal to boost visitors to the country, Mr. Jayasundere said adding that authorities would need to work on methods to speed up the approval processes to carry out these campaigns.
Meanwhile, veteran hotelier and Jetwing Symphony Chairman Hiran Cooray observed that unlike previous wars that the world has seen “this is a completely unique situation”.
The war is impacting the whole world and Sri Lanka too has not faced this situation previously and tourism on the island is likely to get “severely affected”.
Sri Lanka’s tourism and exports sectors will be severely impacted going forward and it could even lead to an “economic crash”, Mr. Cooray said.
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