Tourism bets on digital nomads for recovery

 Kimarli Fernando

• Cabinet nod received to promote SL as an attractive destination for digital nomads
• Promotional programme to be rolled out by SLTDA
• Govt. to introduce long-term visa category for digital tourists

Tourism Ministry this week received the Cabinet nod to promote Sri Lanka as a favourable destination for ‘digital nomads’, an effort that would assist the hard-hit industry to steer though the new normal.

The Cabinet approved a proposal furnished by Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga to launch a promotional programme to pitch the island nation for digital nomads, which involves the use of digital tools to prepare, organise, control and enjoy the travel experience. 

The programme to lure travellers in this emerging segment will be rolled out by Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB).

In a bid to kick off the initiative, the government announced its decision to introduce a long-term visa category for digital tourists.

Sri Lanka was recently recognised as one of the top destinations for digital nomads, emerging second in Club Med’s index of the best places and countries around the world to become a digital nomad. 

According Club Med, that allocated a score of 238 out of 320, Sri Lanka was ranked high in the index due to its comparatively low living costs, average temperatures of 30°C along with ample activities and landmarks for visitors to enjoy, and a beautiful working backdrop of lush green mountains, coral reefs and powdery sand, which combine to offer a great remote working experience. Commenting on the potential of the upcoming segment, the SLTDA said the free and independent nature of travellers combined with their long travel stay patterns in one destination makes digital tourism a lucrative market to pursue.  

“Sri Lanka is poised to be the perfect post pandemic destination with its wide-open spaces and nature-based attractions.  

After experiencing prolonged lockdowns and travel restrictions, people are embracing the ‘work from anywhere’ concept with the requirements being a picturesque setting, cultural experiences, adventure and good Wi-Fi connection”, said SLTDA Chairperson Kimarli Fernando in a statement yesterday. 

She added that the island nation is positioned well to promote the ‘work from your own tropical paradise’ concept and Sri Lanka Tourism recognising this is facilitating the expansion of the digital nomad market as part of its sustainable strategies.