Sri Lanka tourism weathers Cyclone Ditwah

Industry calls for visa relief and infrastructure push

• The Hotel Association of Sri Lanka President Asoka Hettigoda notes that while there have been some initial cancellations, situation is far from critical
• Majority of cancellations have originated from Indian market, though these are largely postponements rather than outright withdrawals
• Industry requests government intervention to instruct insurance companies and banks to extend quick support to damaged properties

By Nishel Fernando
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has once again demonstrated its characteristic resilience in the immediate aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, recording fewer than expected cancellations while the key stakeholders urgently petition the government to deploy emergency powers to facilitate a free visa regime and launch an immediate public relations campaign.
Despite the adverse weather conditions that impacted parts of the island, the industry leaders confirmed that the country’s primary tourism zones—including the city of Colombo, the deep South, Pasikudah, Sigiriya and Dambulla—remain fully operational. While access to the hill station of Nuwara Eliya was temporarily hampered, the access roads are clearing and the region is fast returning to normalcy. 
Furthermore, the key wildlife attractions, including the Yala and Udawalawe National Parks, have already reopened to visitors, signalling a rapid return to business as usual.
The Hotel Association of Sri Lanka President Asoka Hettigoda noted that while there have been some initial cancellations, the situation is far from critical, with the industry actively managing the perception issues caused by the sensationalised social media footage.
“The cyclone affected the whole country but if you look at the main tourism zones, they are back to normal. There are no closed hotels in any of those areas. We have beautiful sunshine in the southern region now and we need to communicate to the world that we are ready to welcome tourists. That is the fastest way to restart the reconstruction of the country’s economy,” Hettigoda stated.
The industry has observed that the majority of the cancellations have originated from the Indian market, though these are largely postponements rather than outright withdrawals.
Former Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators President and Jetwing Travels Managing Director Shiromal Cooray emphasised the pivotal role played by the private sector in maintaining confidence.
“We had some cancellations from the Indian market but I must say new bookings are coming in. The tour operators have successfully communicated the message that this is a temporary situation. The trade is doing a fantastic job in communicating with their counterparts,” Cooray said.
However, the private sector contends that resilience alone is insufficient without decisive government intervention. The industry leaders this week held high-level discussions with the President, Treasury Secretary and Tourism Minister, outlining a critical action plan.
Top of the agenda is the immediate implementation of a visa-free regime. The industry has requested the President to utilise the emergency powers to expedite this process and expand the list of eligible countries to maximise the arrivals during the recovery phase. 
Additionally, the stakeholders are calling for a waiver of visa fees for the tourists forced to overstay due to flight disruptions. Heeding to the industry pleas, the government has already granted this request. 
Equally critical is the need for a cohesive marketing push. Cooray highlighted a decade-long gap in global promotion, noting, “We didn’t have a global promotional campaign for at least the last 10 years, so we are not confident. I am hoping the government will engage in a quick marketing programme.”
Hettigoda echoed this sentiment, urging the state to launch a PR blitz to clarify that two-thirds of the tourism model remained untouched by the cyclone.
On the infrastructure front, the industry is demanding rapid restoration of electricity and supply chains, particularly for the vegetable stocks disrupted by the damage in the hill country. 
There is also a strong call for financial relief; the industry has requested government intervention to instruct the insurance companies and banks to extend quick support to the damaged properties, ensuring they are rebuilt in time for the peak season in mid-December and January. 
The leaders have even recommended convening a donor conference to secure international aid for the reconstructing efforts.
To assist the travellers currently in the country, the hotels are offering concessionary rates to those stranded by flight delays, while the airlines have reportedly agreed to waive the change and cancellation fees.
“Tourism is a very resilient product. We have always recovered very fast after the tsunami and Easter Sunday attacks. World over, people have always supported us by coming in large numbers soon after a tragedy and that is what we are expecting,” Hettigoda added.