Rs. 42 mn revenue from tourist pilot project: Minister

18 January 2021 07:10 pm - 19 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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A revenue of Rs. 42 million has been earned through the pilot project for the opening of the country to Ukrainian tourists since December 26, 2020 up to date, Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said.

He said nearly 1,500 tourists from Ukraine have arrived in the country during the period.

Minister Ranatunga emphasised that all measures have been taken to open the country to tourists from next Thursday (21) in accordance with the health guidelines.

He said at a media briefing that all possible steps have been taken to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 to the local community and tourists.

"All the shortcomings and problems identified in the pilot project have been rectified and all steps have been taken to bring tourists to the country in accordance with the health guidelines," he said.

The Minister said that about 180 hotels have been identified to provide accommodation to tourists visiting the country.

Tourists arriving in the country after the 21st of this month are expected to continue as a bio-bubble.

"Only tourists who have been confirmed negative for Covid-19 will be allowed to enter the country. Tourists will be subjected to another PCR test on their arrival. They will be staying at their respective hotels until PCR results are released. The tourists will have to undergo another PCR test with 5 to 7 days," the Minister said.

Minister Ranatunga said that the staff of hotels where tourists visit are also part of the tourist bubble and they too do not have the opportunity to interact with the general public.

Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said that a large number of people have been affected by the collapse of the tourism industry.(Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya)

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Comments - 19

ROBERT CHAJEE Mammue Monday, 18 January 2021 10:30 PM

This is definitely a exaggerated figure given by the minister. This amount is a justification for the Ukraine arrivals..

Esther Cohen, Europe Monday, 18 January 2021 10:32 PM

Totally irresponsible to travel for tourist purposes during a pandemy. Every civilised country ask their citizens to stay at home.

German Monday, 18 January 2021 10:33 PM

We stay at home

Pantha Kumaran Monday, 18 January 2021 10:35 PM

Could Prasanna Ranatunge provide detail accounts to this so called income of Rs:420 million. Please don't fool the people Prasanna. Enough is enough. .

lal Monday, 18 January 2021 10:40 PM

Approximately 1450 USD from per person and USD 58 per day, assuming 420 Million is a gross profit. A toilet commode is now 320 USD in Sri Lanka now. We need more tourists.

sach Monday, 18 January 2021 10:41 PM

it is not the money. It was called a pilot project to start tourism again. Have we been able to do that?

G abe Monday, 18 January 2021 11:07 PM

The public are put at risk to bailout the airlines, airports, tour operators, hotels, how much of that money goes to the poor? Dont these big companies have enough money to put a hold on tourism till we get vaccinated, the poor will suffer the most coz the big shots want their profitt

Demuni Uduwara Monday, 18 January 2021 11:25 PM

Costs would surpass the income in view of security, medical staff and other General charges .

Sala Tuesday, 19 January 2021 04:35 AM

Today 2001 model Car in Sri Lanka is 3 million.

Stingray Tuesday, 19 January 2021 06:49 AM

At what cost?

Nomads Tuesday, 19 January 2021 06:58 AM

Bogus figures to cover up the ukrainian disaster . It makes you a damn fool. Even it makes profit this will get wiped out with virus treatment expenditures.

Dee Tuesday, 19 January 2021 07:10 AM

This better be revenue to the country. Service such as security guards('forces') and some logistics were provided by the government. Also no parking fees for aircraft. Country should get that cost re imbursed, should not go into the pockets of wheeler dealers.

Sira Tuesday, 19 January 2021 08:22 AM

42,000,000 divided by 1500 = 28,000 per person.

Sokrates Tuesday, 19 January 2021 08:55 AM

Is that amount worth a single death?

Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch Tuesday, 19 January 2021 09:02 AM

You would expect more from such a project if planned without any hidden agendas.

Prof Jey R Tuesday, 19 January 2021 10:26 AM

Revenue or Profit !? What is the opportunity cost or lost for people getting infected and they are loosing income :/ Income To whom? Is the money with Ministry Official Acc or in someone else's pocket ;)

Channa Tuesday, 19 January 2021 11:13 AM

I think we shall educate our Tourism Minister, since he may have not passed O/L maths at the school, and doesnt know how BIG is this SLR 42 Million. Assume that a tourist spent 10 days on average, this total to 15,000 tourists nights (1500*10) in the country. That means each day in Srilanka, so called each Ukrainian tourist has spent only SLR 2,800 (42,000,000/ 15,000)??? Are you proud of this, Minister? Even when e go to a road side restaurant, we spend this much for a family meal.

Kathir Tuesday, 19 January 2021 01:03 PM

It's a mistake. It is not 42 millions but 4 millions rupees benefit.

brainmaster Tuesday, 19 January 2021 06:59 PM

stupide information : is it 420 million or 42 million ? 42 million are barely 200'000 $. Ridiculous

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Rs. 42 mn revenue from tourist pilot project: Minister

Comments - 19

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