Tourist arrivals could drop below two million this year amidst Visa fiasco: Stakeholders

4 May 2024 10:22 am - 45 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Tourism Industry veterans cautioned that heightened confusion over the new visa system, along with the abrupt increase in visa fees, could derail 2.3 million tourist arrival target set for the year. This could potentially reduce arrivals below 2 million, while service providers stand to gain $50 million in fees.

“We have seen a lot of frustration at the moment, frustration in people trying to get here; we have seen what people have written to us. We may not have cancellations right now, but the problem is that we may not have new bookings for winter,” Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO), Vice President Bobby Jordan Hansen told reporters in Colombo.

According to SLAITO’S research, Sri Lanka now has the highest visa fees in the region “This is hard to comprehend, especially when over 25 per cent of the cost is attributed to fees charged by an international issuing company, which does not benefit the tourists or the country. Based on a base of two million tourists, this would amount to a total of 50 million USD in fees, which seems absurd for a simple process that was previously executed extremely efficiently and cost-effectively,” it said.

SLAITO officials along with tourism industry veterans lamented that the visa issue would hamper the growth momentum for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry after a successful winter.

“So what’s going to happen is that even if hotels keep the same prices from last year, the package prices are going to shoot up,” Chairperson of Tangerine Hotels (Pvt) Limited and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau former Director said.

According to SLAITO, the industry was kept in the dark until the new visa system came into operation on April 17.

“When they implemented ETA earlier, SLTDA came with the Department of Emigration and Immigration to brief us, and also a trial period was given. This time, even the Minister didn’t know,” a SLAITO member said

Comments - 45

Anne Feszczur Saturday, 04 May 2024 10:36 AM

Yep. Not surprised at all. My brother (with 23 others ) were planning a trip to Sri Lanka, now they have decided to go to Tokyo. Sri Lanka's loss is Japan's gain!

Kick the scum out Saturday, 04 May 2024 10:44 AM

Politicians greed is more important than the economy of the country. This is what has been plaguing the country.

jude Saturday, 04 May 2024 11:09 AM

Charge $50 for 30 day visa. $100 for 90 day visa. Let the Immigration Department takeover the Visa issuance again. Government will bank the $50 million that will go to VFS global.

Mahila Saturday, 04 May 2024 12:42 PM

BUT, then the visiting Tourists must arrive in Sri Lanka BIA, STAND IN THE QUEUE in immigration Lounge, fill the form submit to the counter and OBTAIN Visa for Entry!!??? That cannot be done in the comfort of their Lounge room of their Home, "wherever that is Worldwide" to apply and importantly obtain the Tourist Visit Visa, without the VFS Global system!!!??? So, back to square 1!!??? NO SOLUTION!!!??? WHEN THIS SYSTEM IS WORKING IN ADVANCED AND NOT SO ADVANCED COUNTRIES with Higher Security consciousness WORLDWIDE, what is this Unique problem Sri Lanka and Lankans HAVE!!?? “Lankan’s, HATE Ideas FROM India; but 'LOVE' INDIA’S IDEAS”!!!???

Ravana Saturday, 04 May 2024 11:15 AM

Greed is what divided and still dividing our country further. Keeps us from rising economically, intellectually, unity and many other areas in which we could excel. Greed in racist democracy is also very high here.

Ram Saturday, 04 May 2024 11:19 AM

I think the current government should go at the earliest opportunity since the Rajapakse’s clone puppets are already in action to milk whatever left before the next elections

Wagner Saturday, 04 May 2024 11:50 AM

I am sure at least 20 put of the 50 million will go to the VVIPS pocket

Kamal Saturday, 04 May 2024 12:21 PM

If $25 is too much as a visa processing fee how much would they contribute to the economy during their visit? For all those interested parties creating a storm in a tea cup just get real!

Smith Saturday, 04 May 2024 02:55 PM

75usd 25usd. Pr visa. It is 400usd for family of 4.

Andy Seevaratanam Saturday, 04 May 2024 03:16 PM

Nothing wrong about charging whatever amount you think it is the cost of processing. Remember tourist will take easiest option to spend their hard-earned money where they think it's worth it for them.

Frena Sunday, 05 May 2024 02:02 PM

It is not the $25 that is the issue. It is the dishonourable behaviour and the knowledge that you are being gouged. The amount is unimportant. This is going to be an unmitigated disaster for the tourist industry.

Chris Sunday, 05 May 2024 07:34 PM

I have a passport from a western country that ranks top 10 passport in the world

Alex Davis Saturday, 04 May 2024 12:26 PM

We will not be coming to Sri Lanka this winter. We have been coming for many years only interupted once by covid but this year will be looking elsewhere. The fact that we are reading the daily mirror from the UK shows that we have an interest in SL. Unfortunately we are the kind of people these new visa policies are alienating.

Saman Saturday, 04 May 2024 07:50 PM

Sorry to hear. Just remember it is an election year, and anti government elements are in overdrive to spread mischievous inaccurate information. Hope to welcome you guys again sometime. Stay blessed.

STORMY DANIELS Saturday, 04 May 2024 12:27 PM

I AM NOT COMING TO SRI-LANKA BECAUSE OF VISA PROBLEM

Romesh Saturday, 04 May 2024 05:28 PM

We decided to go to India this time when comparing cheaper airline tickets, lower costs overall. Not SriLanka in the near future

Sri Lankan Sunday, 05 May 2024 02:48 AM

Stormy, perhaps you are too busy with Trump's court appearance and you have decided to forgo your tourist pleasures.

Nadaal Saturday, 04 May 2024 12:30 PM

An election is loomed BG. Lots of money required. To the hell with the economy or country. Power is what matters. Greed and power by unscrupulous politicians have ruined the lives of the entire population in Sri Lanka. Hopefully Karma shall act faster

shelliah Saturday, 04 May 2024 01:22 PM

go for old system and payment method. corrupt Indian company put up fees and earn.

Prianka Nalin Seneviratne Saturday, 04 May 2024 01:27 PM

Perhaps there are some valid reasons behind outsourcing visa issuance. On Tuesday my two foreign employees who have valid work visas and been working for my company for more than 3 years was harassed by the immigration officer accusing her of being illegal and asking her personal questions. So perhaps some officers are just downright unprofessional and ignorant. I do not believe that they receive training in customer relations. The Minister.in charge must explain without leaving for speculation the reason for outsourcing. Having said that, I must say that Indians are not known for their good manners or customer relations. So those who picked Indians over others must explain the reason for outsourcing and selecting Indians if the selection was competitive.

KP Saturday, 04 May 2024 02:02 PM

This is a very good example of why none of the current ministers and the government should be elected. The amount of money received by VFS should be sufficient to pay the entire staff of the Immigration Department without burdening the government. I hope that the people in Sri Lanka will think wisely and refrain from electing any of the current ministers, regardless of their political views.

Lionel Saturday, 04 May 2024 02:39 PM

Drop below 2 million? Who wants to pay $US500 for a family to come to a country to again pay very exorbitant entry fees to places of interest, very expensive food, expensive hotels, pathetic customer service at railway stations, dilapidated run down trains, no toilets, getting caught in scams? Add to that foreign women being unsafe from sleezy men. Tourists are not that mad. There are many many other South Asian countries with excellent and inexpensive facilities, no visa fees. It is Good bye time to corrupt and disorganised SL.

Reformist Saturday, 04 May 2024 02:45 PM

As a tourist, why on earth do I want to come to SL? They don't even have a decent toilet to go to. Has anyone checked the entrance fees charged from foreigners to places compared to locals? Hefty visa fees is only the start. A bankrupt country managed by a bunch of morons. Wonder why the President is silent on this so far? I thought he wanted dollars

DJ Saturday, 04 May 2024 02:49 PM

A definite drop is coming.

Kate Langdon Saturday, 04 May 2024 03:20 PM

I am not coming to Sri Lanka on holidays. Cheaper to go elsewhere

Wiseman Saturday, 04 May 2024 07:12 PM

Need to get the elections over with so that can get rid of the current regime, otherwise this country would beyond recovery.

MR JOHN HARPER Saturday, 04 May 2024 07:22 PM

such a beautiful country and happy smiling helpful people ruined by the minimum hotel rates and visa corruption

RAJAPAKSA FAMILY Saturday, 04 May 2024 07:27 PM

we are ready to milk sri-lankans as well as tourists

Citizens Saturday, 04 May 2024 07:52 PM

Back to square one very soon.

Dave Saturday, 04 May 2024 08:03 PM

Wow SRI Lankan idiots know very well how to damage economy. In the past I traveled to this country 3 times a year. Now with this visa issue I will go to Thailand. Much better there and cheaper than corrupt SRI Lanka

Volker Metzger Saturday, 04 May 2024 09:29 PM

The new visa regulations fit in perfectly with the policies of this government! First, under MR and Gota, the people were cheated and robbed and a debt burden of almost unpayable amounts was accumulated, and now this policy is continuing in a modified form under Wickremesigne, in economic and tax policy!!! The "little people" and the poor are paying the price for years of corrupt and disastrous policies!!! After a certain period of consolidation of the situation, Ranil is now trying to fleece the tourists by increasing visa fees to an outrageous extent!!! Massively against the will of the tourism industry, which rightly fears that the slight positive boom in this very important economic sector will come to an end relatively quickly!!! I share this view and think that issuing visas to a private company once again shows the short-sightedness and unprofessionalism of this government, which is rejected by the people!!!

Prof Gerad Saturday, 04 May 2024 09:46 PM

Ram, the previous system introduced in 2012 was under Mahinda. That was done by government owned mobile and immigration. So Rajapaksas did it the right way. Looks like Ranil is giving freedom to everyone to do anything and likes to be government free in everything. It’s good in a way like in America but a private company making $25 million a year is crazy. There must be an investigation

Rees Martin Saturday, 04 May 2024 10:39 PM

Planned a summer trip from UK with family but visa fees deterred us. Opting to explore other destinations due to added expense. Just imaging spending $500 for visa fee for 35days for 5 of us. Just Absurd !!

Raj soma Sunday, 05 May 2024 03:46 AM

SL as a tourist driven economy should try to keep Hotel rates , Visa fees , food

Zak Sunday, 05 May 2024 05:09 AM

Ranil is an economic genius, so he may have a very valid reason for this since the decision was approved by the cabinet.

Seqi Sunday, 05 May 2024 07:31 AM

Indians and Sri Lankans same same.

Sambo Sunday, 05 May 2024 08:00 AM

Tourists arrival will drop if this amount of visa charges are levied. You think Sri Lanka is the only country in the world for tourists. What we get here are low spending guests and that will also stop with these visa prices and also personnel data of people getting into the hand of who God knows.

Shifaz Sunday, 05 May 2024 09:36 AM

Why we cannot just Follow Singapore, we don't need smart asses

James Sunday, 05 May 2024 11:40 AM

I normally spend 2 months in east Sri Lanka in July and August. This year I will be heading to Bali and I cannot work out which visa to apply for and whether I'll have to pay extra processing fees. This doesn't make any sense. But I need to book flights now to keep cost down, so Sri Lanka loss in Bali gain.

DW Sunday, 05 May 2024 01:38 PM

This one thing alone explains why Sri Lanka has never developed. It's all about commissions and the size of politicians' pockets. Total disgrace!!!!! Shame on you.

PG Sunday, 05 May 2024 01:41 PM

.............absurd for a simple process that was previously executed extremely efficiently and cost-effectively......... Yes, but now some politicians are benefiting from this. It's all about SL politicians' well-being.

Hemantha Galpihilla Sunday, 05 May 2024 02:58 PM

This situation is unacceptable on multiple fronts. First, the confusion surrounding the new visa system, coupled with the sudden spike in visa fees, poses a serious threat to the tourism industry's target of welcoming 2.3 million tourists this year. The potential fallout could see arrivals plummet below 2 million, while service providers could incur losses of up to $50 million in fees. The sentiments expressed by Bobby Jordan Hansen of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) highlight the frustration and concerns within the industry. Despite the absence of immediate cancellations, the lack of new bookings for the upcoming winter season is alarming. Furthermore, the exorbitant visa fees, which are now the highest in the region, are unjustifiable. It's incomprehensible that a significant portion of these fees goes to an international issuing company, without benefiting either the tourists or the country. This drastic change from a previously efficient and cost-eff

DESPERATION!! ALL FART AND NO SHIT, ONLY WARPED BRAINS Sunday, 05 May 2024 03:11 PM

WHY CAN'T THE VISA'S BE PROCESSED BY THE SRI LANKAN FOREIGN OFFICES AROUND THE WORLD BE IT A HIGH COMMISION, CONSULATE OR WHATEVER. IF OUR PASSPORTS ARE PROCESSED IN THIS MANNER WHEN WE NEED AN EXTENSION AND OR NEW PASSPORT!!. WHAT THE HELL DO WE HAVE OVER STAFFED OFFICES AROUND THE WORLD WARMING THEIR CHAIRS AND ENOJYING PERKS. OUR COUNTRY CANNOT AFFORD TO GIVE FREE VISAS, SIMPLY TO ATTRACT TOURISTS, WE WILL END UP GETTING MORE CRIMINALS POSING OFF AS TOURISTS!!!.

Sri Lanka tourism disaster Sunday, 05 May 2024 07:08 PM

The worst thing that could happen to a tourist arriving from overseas is to join the queue to get the visa clearance which can be quite a hassel if you have to fill an application form etc. Especially when you are very tired and looking for a breath of fresh air. The chaos created by a lone protester posing as a tourist at the visa office was the worst experience for a tourist entering the country especially for the first time.. It no doubt created a very bad impression about the country as well as caused evere damage to Sri Lanka's tourism industry.

Sambo Monday, 06 May 2024 08:11 AM

It could go below that if the guests get to know that their personal is being held in unstable database and unknown people who can use it for other purposes.

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Tourist arrivals could drop below two million this year amidst Visa fiasco: Stakeholders

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