All individuals in tourism industry to be vaccinated within next few weeks: SLTDA Chairperson

While avoiding strict quarantine rules and lockdowns in the country, it had been a month since the launch of the 'Bio Bubble' system for the tourists who arrive in the country, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairperson Kimarli Fernando said in an interview with the CNN.

She said to coincide with this programme to promote the tourism industry, all individuals in the tourism industry would be vaccinated within the next few weeks.

"The data related to all certified tourist hotels were collected by the Health Ministry including tour guides, travel agents and drivers," she said.

While explaining the Bio Bubble system, she said the SLTDA would certify the tourist hotels, which are safe and secure for the tourists to stay in the country with a strict protocols, Ms. Fernando said.

She said, there are about 200 hotels that were opened covering the entire island. 

"The tourists who wish to visit the country can book their tickets directly to reach the hotels, through the travel agents or Online Travel Agents (OTA).

After receiving the guests, the quarantine facilities would be added along with the tourist package. But rules must be followed and the guests should avoid mingling with the local community," she said.

"There is no minimum mandatory stay requirement. The tourists can use all the facilities which they get from the hotels they have booked and free to use the beaches as they would be demarcated for them," she said.

However, this is not a strict quarantine protocol, but the tourists should proceed with the Bio Bubble, Kimarli Fernando said.

"The airlines operating in the country had increased their flight frequency. Several new airlines have committed and commenced new flight schedules," she said.

The Chairperson also requested the tourists to buy an insurance coverage for just US$12 that covers all the facilities which they need during their stay in the country for a month. 

However, the insurance coverage is mandatory. Even in a case of a visitor was found to be a COVID-19 positive, the he/she will get the full coverage until they recover, she said.

"If the tourists are found infected with COVID-19 and non-symptomatic, they should remain in the hotel. Those persons would not be able to use the common facility in the hotels that they have booked. But shouldn't worry about their health care. The insurance coverage they had obtained will look after their healthcare issues.

Even in an unfortunate event; such as death, everything will be  taken care of," she said.

With the facilities provided by the SLTDA, the tourists would have nothing to worry about their care, Ms. Fernando added.