Hotel sector targets 0.5 million visitors this year

The Hotel Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) yesterday announced that the industry is targeting to attract half a million visitors this year with the country having re-opened its borders for international travellers.

“Provided there is no major travel restriction, we are targeting 500,000 visitors for this year which includes Sri Lankan expatriates who generally visit their friends and family each year and stay in hotels

throughout the country with US$ 1 billion earnings this year,” THASL President Sanath Ukwatte said.

While sounding optimistic about the re-opening of borders for foreign visitors benefitting the hard-hit industry, THASL stressed the need to exercise caution in handling tourists so that any further health crisis can be avoided.

“We appeal to all stakeholders to maintain extreme caution and adherence to health and safety guidelines are paramount to resume a sustainable growth in the months ahead,” Ukwatte said.

He also called on the general public to cooperate and support the industry in its journey towards restarting the industry, which he stressed is the worst impacted by the pandemic.

Furthermore, Ukwatte expressed that the industry hopes the restrictions imposed will be eased in time to come (with increased vaccinations around the world), especially the no-entry policy for locals at Level 1 hotels where tourists will be residing in the initial two weeks of their stay.

He also shared that the industry is appreciative of the government’s efforts in vaccinating the local community in a systematic way commencing February and including tourism stakeholders on a priority basis.

“We are hoping that we will be able to attract visitors who will stay longer and who wish to avoid severe winter in Europe and also those who wish to take advantage of the extended 3-month visa scheme,” Ukwatte added.