Sri Lanka has officially received the Safe Travels Stamp from World Travel & Tourism Council. What does it mean for the foreign tourists?
Sri Lanka has one of the best vaccination drives in the world and best in Asia. We have created relaxed, bubble-free travelling for fully vaccinated travellers. Additionally Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) facility will now be available for tourists. However, as of now, the said facility will not be available for passport holders of some countries, such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Syria, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Myanmar, Cameron, North Korea, and Nepal.
Travellers must carry a negative PCR taken 72 hours before and pay for the $ 12 local COVID insurance – it’s that simple. Even if you are not vaccinated, we have the ‘Tourism Bio Bubble’ which will ensure you enjoy the trip within the safety of the bubble. We have laid down very simple, relaxed and clear guidelines for kids
In detail the current protocols are classified under 3 categories:
- Fully vaccinated travellers
- Travellers who have received both doses of their COVID-19 vaccination can travel freely, without adhering to the bio-bubble rules.
- Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travellers
- a pre-confirmed booking at a safe and secure Level 1 property prior to their arrival
- must travel in a bio-bubble until they complete a 14 day post vaccination, or 7 days post arrival period
- Both sets of travellers are allowed to visit approved tourist sites and use all facilities of the hotel upon negative results of the on-arrival PCR-test.
- COVID-19 recovered travellers ( travellers who have contracted COVID-19 during the last 6 months)
- Have a pre-confirmed booking at a safe and secure Level 1 hotel
- Must carry proof of diagnosis
- travellers will also be required to travel via the bio-bubble during the first few days of their stay but are entitled for a shorter and more flexible bio-bubble period.
- All travellers to obtain a mandatory negative PCR test 72 hours prior to embarkation.
- The Sri Lankan government is providing a mandatory COVID-19 insurance cover for foreign travellers for a policy of USD 50,000 which must be purchased for USD 12 prior to arrival.
- All tourists must carry their vaccination card at all times if fully or partially vaccinated.
Sri Lanka is a land that is now open to the world. What Sri Lanka can offer for thrill seeking travelers and what for the families?
Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure addict, a history enthusiast or a cultural connoisseur, Sri Lanka is a feast of breathtaking sceneries, explosive flavours and unparalleled experiences. From epic night outs in Colombo or the excitement of a late-night beach party, to romantic nights in the mountains of Nuwara Eliya or stargazing on a beach in Arugam Bay – Sri Lanka is an island where you can find a thrilling new adventure at every turn.
Listed as one of the 20 Best Winter Sun Holidays for 2021 in the Daily Telegraph, UK, historically rich Sri Lanka is also an ideal getaway for families with a myriad of adventures in store for both young and old alike. The destination has so much to offer all year round for families. The adventure seekers can choose to go kayaking, trekking through forests and waterfalls, surfing, snorkeling amongst tropical fish and giant turtles and whale and dolphin watching or if one chooses to take the less adventurous route there are plenty of activities from family friendly safaris to lounging on a luxury catamaran or watching stunning sunsets unfold while the kids create magical castles in the white sandy beaches.
Which new investments in tourism sector we can expect in Sri Lanka in 2022 year?
Currently the government is determined to nurture world-class visitor experiences firmly rooted in the inherent natural, cultural, historic and social capital of Sri Lanka and its people, and to ensure that these experiences generate island-wide economic value. With Sri Lanka becoming an increasingly popular destination among international travelers it is poised to offer great growth and investment potential.
Potential areas for investment
- Tourist Accommodation & Services (Hotels / Resorts / Villas/ Higher-end restaurants)
- Leisure & Recreational (Golf Course, Entertainment Complexes, Theme Parks, Tourist
- Shopping Complexes, Eco-Lodges, Camping, Whale & Dolphin Watching, water Sports)
- Adventure & Eco Tourism (Adventure parks)
- Transportation (Yacht Marina, Coastal Ferry Services, Cruise Lines)
- Skill Development: Hotel / Hospitality Training Institutes
What the nearest plans has Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority?
We recognise that Wellness Tourism is a growing market with huge potential, and we are
working to position the Island to cater to the demand of this high yielding segment. With the assistance of external experts, we are focusing on product and infrastructure development, training and guidance to the SME sector and the larger industry, targeted marketing and promoting investor opportunities.
In addition to the Wellness Tourism segment, we are also focused on developing the Film Tourism market. Sri Lanka was growing in popularity in this segment with international producers and as such we have developed a Single Window Approval scheme to further facilitate growth in this segment. Even though the Meeting and Incentive travel segment may not do well as soon as borders start re-opening, Destination Weddings will be a segment which will have potential. While Sri Lanka has the possibility to cater to larger outdoor weddings, it is also the perfect destination for an intimate wedding, both event segments will have potential.
Despite the many challenges which we will have to face in the future, it is important to look at the possibilities and with Sri Lanka positioned well as post Covid travel destination, we are extremely confident of the future and know that Sri Lanka Tourism is on the path to reach its true potential.
