Govt. to prioritise Sri Lankans before foreigners
The Sri Lankan government is looking at bringing home Sri Lankans stranded overseas before opening up to tourists.
In this respect, at the COVID-19 Presidential Task Force meeting on Tuesday, authorities looked at the possibility of opening up the country for tourist arrivals from any country and while adhering to health guidelines will target group travellers initially.
Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga speaking with the Business Times on Wednesday said they would encourage group tourists to come particularly since those from China, Japan and even European markets travel as groups.
However, with many Sri Lankans overseas including students seeking to come back, the government will first look at bringing them back home by the end of July, he said.
Asked the reason for attracting group travellers, he pointed out that most of the travellers from these markets arrive in groups and that it is ideal in order to keep track of their itinerary and schedules when they move around the country.
However, industry experts both local and global have opined that under the circumstances in a post-COVID 19 scenario most would venture out alone or as a couple and not as groups.
Interestingly, tour operators in Sri Lanka have also insisted that as per the guidelines suggested by them no group photographs should be permitted.
The minister noted that they have suggested that tourists should obtain their test reports prior to arriving in the country and subsequently agree to carry out a PCR test.
This test which takes about six hours needs to be taken and on the first night the tourist will be quarantined even in a hotel on the recommendation of the authorities.
Upon arrival, tourists will be asked to submit their itinerary following which they will be allowed to stay at the hotel they have booked. This is being carried out to ensure that travellers to the country could be monitored as to their whereabouts, the minister said.