Sri Lanka tourism industry in pandemic muddle By Sunimalee Dias View(s): View(s):The tourism industry is currently fighting hard to ensure that travellers to Sri Lanka are subjected to checks for COVID-19 and holiday in a travel bubble concept that will ensure the country is safe from any importation of the virus. It is interesting to note that despite the claims of carrying out checks the initial batch of tourists were not subject to the proper procedures as stated by Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairperson Kimarli Fernando herself last December where she had insisted that the required protocols were not adhered to. Further he noted that it was essential that tourists obtain a COVID insurance cover prior to arriving in the country. Moreover, service providers were also compelled to obtain the safe and secure certification following audits by internationally reputed auditors KPMG. In the meantime, the industry is concerned about the latest outbreak of the Delta variant that is currently spreading in Europe and UK as this could have an adverse impact on arrivals for the upcoming winter season.

Source: Sunday Times June 27, 2021 00:33 UTC