Tourism authorities lobby for inclusion in travel corridors

Sri Lanka Tourism yesterday said they were working closely with the Foreign Affairs Ministry to include Sri Lanka in developing travel corridors for travel with no quarantine overseas, for returning tourists or visiting Sri Lankans.

“We are working closely with our ambassador in the UK and other ambassadors who are talking to the relevant governments. We are also in regular contact with the UK Ambassador Sarah Hulton. 

Since the date of the Colombo airport opening isn’t known, that can be a constraint to getting on safe travel lists, which also factor in reciprocity,” Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson Kimarli 
Fernando said.

A statement said Sri Lanka Tourism was also working closely with the Health Ministry on a detailed protocol on resuming international tourism in Sri Lanka, in a COVID-19 safe environment. 

“This is an all-encompassing protocol, going beyond just the certification of accommodation sector,” stated Fernando, saying that it is in the final stages. 

Once approved, it would provide further comfort to other governments as it covers all touch points of international visitors to the country.

She also stated that Sri Lanka Tourism is in discussion to provide insurance policies, specifically to cover international guests for COVID-19-related risks.