The government has taken measures to ensure the safety of tourists and the industry is confident of system although it remains concerned over last week’s death of a tourist, the first foreign tourist to be killed in the post war era.
Deputy Tourism Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena told the Business Times that a special police team has been deployed for the investigation while three tourist board officials were appointed on Thursday to report on identified possible problem-prone areas.
On Christmas Eve a British national holidaying in Tangalle was reportedly attacked resulting in the tourist’s death while the Russian female with him was also injured.
The report is likely to be submitted within a week based on which the Tourism Ministry will hold discussions with the Defense Ministry authorities in this regard, the Deputy Minister said.
Meanwhile, the industry remained confident that any future incident was unlikely to occur. Hotels Association President Anura Lokuhetty speaking with the Business Times said this incident is unlikely to have a major impact on the industry and tourist arrivals.
He pointed out that what is required is to ensure “good action is taken” although they remained helpless as there is “nothing we can do.” All precautions would be taken and the hotels should act responsibly adding however, that they do regret this incident.
Jetwing Hotels Chairman Hiran Cooray told the Business Times that the Tangalle hotels are not affected and tourists have not made enquiries relating to the incident and that arrivals are not impacted.
He noted that the government had taken the right steps in apprehending the suspects, condemning the attack and allowing the law to take its course.
Expressing concern he said, “it should have never happened,” adding that as a hospitable people this incident would hurt the entire country. “This is not the way we have traditionally welcomed people,” Mr. Cooray observed adding however, that all tourists would be safe.
City Hotels Association President Shanthi Kumar speaking with the Business Times said the Tangalle incident had not caused any cancellations and had not had an impact on the industry.
He pointed out that the city hotels’ occupancies are at an average of 80% with guest events for Christmas and New Year celebrations all sold out. |
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