Extend hospitality beyond borders: Timely opportunity for Sri Lanka’s tourism: Former Diplomat

Colombo, March 4 (Daily Mirror) - With number  of tourists currently stranded in Sri Lanka due to the ongoing international flight disruptions, former diplomat Kananathan has called on authorities to adopt a proactive and compassionate response to safeguard the country’s tourism reputation and future investment prospects.

As global travel routes face temporary interruptions, many visitors remain unable to return home as scheduled. 

While the situation is beyond Sri Lanka’s control, Kananathan emphasised that the country’s response at this critical moment will shape international perception.

“In diplomacy and in tourism, perception matters,” Kananathan stated. 

“How we treat our guests during a crisis will define how the world remembers Sri Lanka.”

Kananathan pointed out that countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kenya have previously extended complimentary hotel stays and transit assistance to stranded passengers during global emergencies.

“These nations turned logistical challenges into opportunities to showcase leadership and hospitality,” he noted. “Sri Lanka too can and should do the same.”

Adopting a similar short-term measure — offering temporary free or subsidised accommodation until flight operations normalise — would reinforce Sri Lanka’s long-standing reputation as a welcoming destination, he added.

Tourism remains one of Sri Lanka’s most vital economic sectors and a major source of foreign exchange. According to Kananathan, extending temporary accommodation to affected visitors is not merely a humanitarian gesture but a strategic investment.

“Tourism is built on trust and goodwill. A short-term cost can generate long-term dividends in loyalty, repeat visits and global goodwill,” he said.

He outlined several key benefits of such an initiative:

Strengthening Global Reputation: Demonstrating care and responsibility enhances Sri Lanka’s image as a safe and tourist-friendly destination.

Encouraging Repeat Visits: Visitors who feel supported during difficult times are more likely to return and recommend the country to others.

Maintaining Hotel Stability: Coordinated support can help hotels sustain occupancy levels and protect jobs during disruptions.

Boosting Investor Confidence: A structured and compassionate response signals policy stability and strong crisis management to international investors.

Industry stakeholders acknowledge that providing complimentary accommodation would involve short-term financial considerations. However, many agree that the long-term value in brand building, goodwill, and sustained tourism growth could outweigh the immediate costs.

Kananathan stressed the importance of coordination.

“This should be a united national effort involving the government, tourism authorities, hotel associations, and airline partners. Shared responsibility will make the initiative practical and sustainable.”

Protecting the “Island of Hospitality” Brand

Sri Lanka has long been celebrated for its warmth, culture, and spirit of hospitality. Extending temporary accommodation to stranded travellers would align naturally with this identity and demonstrate the country’s commitment to caring for its guests.

“Sri Lanka is known as the ‘Island of Hospitality.’ This is the moment to live up to that name,” Kananathan remarked.

As global travel continues to navigate uncertainty, this period presents Sri Lanka not only with a challenge but with a strategic opportunity — to strengthen its standing as a resilient, responsible, and welcoming destination for the future.