Government takes one step forward, but two steps back in helping tourism sector: SLAITO

9 December 2022 10:16 am - 5 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Welcomes move to remove COVID-19 restrictions for tourists
Points out sudden increase in visa fee a backward step in helping the hard-hit sector
Highlights unreasonable US dollar conversion rates applies for wildlife parks entry tickets
Stresses need to have well-thought-out measures to help industry revival

By Shabiya Ali Ahlam
The country’s travel and tourism sector stakeholders yesterday welcomed the move by the health authorities in removing the COVID-19 protocols for tourists as the step will help increase the appeal of the destination.

The tourism industry was lobbying for the relaxing of the health protocols that were put in place by the Health Ministry to contain the spread of the virus that brought the global economy to a standstill for several months.

However, since the beginning of this year, several countries removed COVID-19 restrictions to uplift the hard-hit tourism sector.

“This will enable tourists to travel freely and without inconvenience, across borders. We were probably the only country requiring this certificate as of late as all other countries relaxed or removed COVID restrictions several months back,” said Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO).

However, while the government has taken a progressive step to assist the tourist sector towards revival, some of its recent efforts have made it difficult for the stakeholders to promote the destination. Once such a move is the sudden increase of the visa fee, which was implemented without any prior notice.

SLAITO pointed out that at a time when the industry is working hard to kick start tourism and looking at ways to promote the island nation, the decision taken by the government in this regard is a major setback. Further, entry fees to wildlife parks have also been increased without any prior warning or discussion with the industry.

Another hit the Industry currently faces, according to SLAITO, is the Central Cultural Fund converting the US dollar entry fee to sites at Rs. 372 per dollar. SLAITO pointed out that the Central Bank conversion rate applicable for inward forex receipts is between Rs.360 to Rs.362 per dollar. “This difference in exchange rate, causes a loss of approximately Rs.300 on each Sigiriya entry ticket alone. We ask, if it is correct, for a government department to convert the US dollar at a much higher rate than what is published by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka,” SLAITO questioned. The association asserted the need to take measures that are well-thought-out so that the tourism sector is not negatively impacted in any way going forward.

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Comments - 5

Inshi Friday, 09 December 2022 11:03 AM

Please market our beautiful country in such a way so as to attract the tourists. We are blessed with attractions that no other country can match. Promote hospitality, wild life, fauna, flora, beaches, underwater sea world,waterfalls, landscape beauty, rivers,handicrafts, ayurveda, precious stones, water sports, climate, culture and heritage. Spend to get the worthy tourists to come to Sri Lanka than go to neighbouring countries that market their country to entice foreigners paying much more dollars. If no pain is taken, there will not be any gain. Do it now!

Sri Lankan lover Friday, 09 December 2022 11:40 AM

There is no doubt Lanka is blessed with all natural beauty and we should learn how to market them to the international community..but we lack some innovative brains and politics play some negative role on this .. Although some politicians have some ambitious versions to promote tourism...they are very much sincere in their good intentions but they don't know how to do it or take some hasty wrong decisions.. Tourism is a competitive field now ... tourists expect some facilities and some concessions now ...why do we need to increase visa fees and that is stupid thing to do this right now ...let them come to our country on free visa for one months ..in this way we could increase new arrivals .we are concerned about £20 fees and yet we forget we could make thousands of dollars by letting tourism... likewise one more stupid thing is to increase the fees for dual citizenship...all this are hinder Tourist arrivals to our country ..

Roger De Silva. Friday, 09 December 2022 12:18 PM

I just completed a 3 week stay in SL. Increasing fees

Mark Hindenburg Friday, 09 December 2022 03:13 PM

Bad food. Bad transport system. Rip off fees. Truth be told; if a fee for breathing could be imposed on the tourist it would be. Poor value and service that does not encourage repeat visits.

Athk69 Friday, 09 December 2022 10:06 PM

Unfortunately, Sri Lanka is only blessed with environment beauty and cursed when it comes to successive governments.

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Government takes one step forward, but two steps back in helping tourism sector: SLAITO

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