Sri Lanka safe but worries over future tourist bookings
The Sri Lankan tourism industry is concerned about future bookings due to the series of travel advisories by the US and several other countries which generate travellers to the country, while Sri Lanka Tourism has urged tourists to visit saying they are safe.
At the moment except for a few there have not been any cancellations by tourists visiting the Arugam Bay on the east coast, Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka President M. Shanthikumar told The Sunday Times Business.
Tensions between the minority Muslims and Israel nationals, some of whom has established irregular businesses in Arugam Bay, has triggered fears of a terror attack, prompting authorities to step up security in the area and also in southern areas frequented by Israel visitors. Three suspects have been detained by police over the threats.
Mr. Shanthikumar noted that usually when one country issues a travel advisory it is common for others to follow. He also explained that as hoteliers they have not received any enquiries or cancellations.
Jetwing Chairman Hiran Cooray said that they had received cancellations only from Sri Lankans that had planned to visit Arugam Bay for the weekend. The group has a hotel in the area.
At present it is the off season for the East coast and there are no bookings for that area, he said.
Mr. Cooray commended the action precautionary measures adopted by the authorities and in adopting the proper steps to prevent any calamity. He also queried the motive of Western governments to make a big issue out of this current situation and “why only Sri Lanka?”
He believes the country is as stable as it was noting that tourists are welcome to go anywhere else in the country.
Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators President Nalin Jayasundere said that based on the current turn of events it is too early to make a judgement or assessment on the impact of this situation and advisories on the industry.
He noted that so far a few tour operators have been in touch with them to have an understanding of the ground situation.
Their main concern today is the pattern of the future bookings for which the industry will have to wait and see, he said.
Authorities have taken the necessary precautions with regard to the security. “We have been updating” on the ground situation in Arugam Bay,” he said and hoped there will not be any bookings going elsewhere.
Sri Lanka has cordial relations with both Palestine and Israel, which is the country’s 18th source market in terms of tourist arrivals, and is aiming this year to reach the 2018 record figure of 2.3 million tourists, which is now a challenge given the latest situation.
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