Sri Lanka sets foot in cruise tourism with tariff changes
With the aim of capitalising on the ever increasing popularity of cruise tourism, the Sri Lanka government is mulling more concessions for travellers arriving in the island on ships.
Necessary changes are to be made to tariff system and voyage fees of passengers in accordance with the suggestions made by the Parliamentary Sectorial Committee on Transport and Communication, official sources confirmed.
The Committee considered the regulations under section 321 of the Merchant Shipping Act, No. 52 of 1971 and appreciated it since these regulations enhance the standards of the tourism sector.
Also, it has suggested that a voyage fees of US$8 charged per passenger per day be charged as local and foreign separately and the tariff system should be changed on a proportional basis instead of per day.
Sri Lanka attracts approximately 25,000 cruise passengers a year.
According to the Ministry of Ports and Shipping statistics, the country handles approximately 35 to 45 cruise ships for a year.
The Ministry of Tourism has been directed to take immediate action to create a cruise tourism promotion strategic plan to put forward the country in to the global height, a top official of the Ministry of National Policies and Economic Affairs said.
While the overall increase in arrivals augurs well for the sector, the Tourism Ministry is also seeking to target the higher end of the tourism market including cruise tourism to boost revenue per visitor, a policy underscored by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe recently.
One way Sri Lanka is planning to achieve this target is through promoting the country as a cruise destination, he has said.
The target for this year is 50,000 tourist arrivals in the island via sea voyage; he said adding that it is essential to increase investments in port infrastructure, improvements in passenger and luggage handling and logistics.
Cruise tourism has seen a substantial growth in Sri Lanka with numbers going from 18 cruise line visits in 2011, 22 liners in 2014 and currently at 40 visits from liners. According to the recent Asian Cruise Trends Report already 52 ships are being deployed in Asia with over 1000 cruises and voyages being scheduled. Sri Lanka with its excellent geo strategic location, and being a maritime hub, must leverage on this development, the PM pointed out.
Also, it has suggested that a voyage fees of US$8 charged per passenger per day be charged as local and foreign separately and the tariff system should be changed on a proportional basis instead of per day.