Tourism braces for risky winter spell

Notwithstanding the risk of infections, tourism authorities are seeking approvals for the reopening of the country’s international airport in a bid to kickstart the industry for the winter season.

Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga told the Business Times on Friday that while “there will be a small risk” they will be seeking approval from the health authorities for which they will be submitting a proposal next week to reopen the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for foreign travellers.

Authorities are looking at strictly enforcing the health regulations adopted in the country by ensuring that repeated COVID- 19 testing will be carried out while a tourist is on holiday.

He noted that since the European winter season is due from November, Sri Lanka is hoping to attract visitors to the country during this period.

Authorities are encouraging group travel with some of the initial travellers likely to be investors and the business tourist, the minister said.

In addition, Mr. Ranatunga pointed out that they want to bring down those people who are working from home in European countries and as they would like to do so while on holiday as well.

Other types of travellers they hope to bring down are those interested in obtaining Ayurveda medicine as medical tourists.

In this respect, the Minister said they are in discussion with European embassies and other UN agencies as well.

Minister Ranatunga noted that once schools open they hope to obtain the necessary approvals to reopen the airport as well.

In the meantime, the minister also said they were seeking to establish one board for all the different state-run tourism institutions headed by a single Chairman. This would mean repealing the Tourism Act of 2005 and going back to the period when the government tourism institutions were established under the Sri Lanka Tourist Board.