West Asia wants visa exemption, says John
View(s):West Asian countries, despite being a good source market, have not been included in the 48 countries that were finally approved for visa exemption.
The final list of countries had been a decision made by the Prime Minister’s office, state officials told the Business Times. In 2018 West Asia generated 71, 636 tourists.
Following this move, the government is now considering a request by West Asian nations to include them in the list that would exempt tourist and business travelers from paying visa fees when visiting Sri Lanka.
Tourism Development Minister John Amaratunga told the Business Times on Thursday that similar to the late entry of India and West Asia wants visa exemption, says John
China they would consider the inclusion of West Asian nations as a request from travel agents and tour operators from these countries have indicated.
This decision is expected to be reached next week when a new list with West Asian nations is expected to be included subject to Cabinet approval, the minister said.
It is learnt that there could have been security concerns in deciding the countries that should be considered under the visa exemption scheme.
(SD)