It is not a secret how the Coronavirus pandemic adversely impacted global tourism as a whole. Thus, the tourism industry being a major aspect of Sri Lanka’s economy, the negative consequences it brought to the country can never be ignored. However, the world is now moving forward abiding by the new normal. Thus, Sri Lanka also decided to move ahead. Accordingly, the government of Sri Lanka is highly focusing on flourishing the tourism industry once again in the present post-pandemic world. With regard to this movement, a number of plans and several initiatives came up. In an environment as such, we thought it is better to share with you the government approach to prospering Sri Lankan tourism. So, why not? Let us get to know about it!
Sri Lankan Government Approach of Prospering Tourism in the Post Pandemic World
Out of the plans and initiatives that the Sri Lankan government came up with to prosper tourism in this splendid island once again, Sri Lanka tourism’s virtual adventure ‘Coach Safari’, was one of the most interesting. It live streamed the thrill and the excitement of a wonderful Sri Lankan safari to the viewer’s living room. Moreover, owing to the perfect angles and the delightful captures of the amazing Sri Lankan wildlife it offered, it could attract a good number of wildlife lovers worldwide.
Furthermore, the Sri Lankan tourism authorities took steps to empower the businesses related to the tourism industry. It indeed was a long-term plan that could impact the tourism industry blossom, and was a kick start to restart the tourism industry better and stronger.
Apart from that, the pilot project of opening Sri Lanka for a group of tourists at first, is one of the highlighting initiatives that led the way to Sri Lanka to open for commercial flights. It was indeed a massive step to rise back and to prosper in the surroundings of a new normal. So, why not? Let us get to know about this pilot project in detail!
Pilot Project of Opening Sri Lanka for Tourists as an Approach of Prospering Tourism
Setting the first step of opening Sri Lanka for tourism, the Sri Lanka tourism authorities initiated a pilot project. It was to let separate groups of tourists to arrive in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the first group of tourists arrived in Sri Lanka, on 27th December, 2020. Of course, it was the first time in the past 8 months, that this island opened for tourists. It was a flight from Ukraine, and it arrived at Mattala International Airport.
And the speciality of this pilot project is that the tourists can travel only within a bio-bubble. What is this bio-bubble, or the travel-bubble concept? Of course, some of you might have this doubt. Let us help you clear out these doubts as well.
According to this concept, the authorities identified a certain group of geographical locations with high tourist attractions within Sri Lanka. Then they set travel schedules to make groups of tourists visit them one after another, without letting them blend with other groups and the citizens of the country. And the most important factor with regard was that the quarantine regulations of these tourists were highly relaxed or removed completely. So, nothing to worry about! If you are planning to travel in Sri Lanka, you are free from the burden of being quarantined for two weeks prior to and after the travel. Instead, all you need is a negative PCR test report, before arriving in Sri Lanka, and in the PCR tests that the authorities carry out during the period of travel.
Target Tourist Destinations within the Travel Bubbles in Sri Lanka
The next question you will possibly have in mind is about the places that the tourists can visit within this travel bubbleS. Take it ease, because we are ready to share with you about these target locations as well. Have a look at the following section.
- Dalada Maligawa (The Temple of the Tooth Relic)
- Sigiriya
- Dambulla
- Minneriya National Park
- Yala National Park
- Horton Plains National Park
- Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
- Udawalawe National Park
- Sinharaja Forest Reserve
- Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya
- Whale watching areas
- Salu Sala outlet
Even though the tourism plans are executed, the Sri Lanka tourism authorities assure that a number of measures are being taken to safeguard the health of the travelers, service providers, and the citizens island wide. Hence, even the service providers would remain within the travel bubble. Moreover, it is only after a quarantine period that the service providers would blend with society. Transportation between these locations would be highly safe since it is solely specific groups that would be traveling together. Likewise, a number of guidelines are in-line with the project to ensure that the country remains safe while the tourism industry prospers.
Sri Lanka Opens for Commercial Flights from January End
The next massive step in the government approach of prospering Sri Lankan tourism is to open Sri Lanka for commercial flights. According to Mr. Prasanna Ranathunga, the Minister of Tourism, the international airports will open from 21st January, 2021. Further, he states that the plans will execute abiding by the travel-bubble concept, having health guidelines and safety as their foremost concern.
Besides, the government approach of prospering Sri Lanka tourism is indeed one of the most important plans to rise back again as a nation as a whole. It is clear that coronavirus is to exist in the world for a number of years more. Of course, vaccines are being tested. Still, it is obvious that it might take a considerable period to have them proven successful. Yet, the world cannot stay still until then. We have to move forward, and the desire for travel continues as well. Thus, the government approach of prospering tourism by abiding by the new normal will surely bring positive impacts. Moreover, the travel bubbles are simply the best way to do it.
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