Sri Lanka receives Safe Travels stamp from World Travel and Tourism Council

Recognising the safety protocols introduced by the Government of Sri Lanka along with the standards mandated by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) to ensure the safety of domestic and international travellers, destination Sri Lanka was recently endowed with the World Travel and Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Safe Travels stamp.Whilst establishing confidence among tourists looking at the island paradise as a preferred destination to travel amidst the pandemic, the Safe Travels stamp will also allow them to recognise the properties and businesses that diligently follow the globally streamed health and hygiene protocols, aligned with the WTTC’s Safe 
Travels Protocols. 

“Having one of the world’s highest success rates in combating COVID-19, positions Sri Lanka as an exemplary destination for safe travels,” said SLTDA Chairperson Kimarli Fernando, highlighting that the stringent safety standards imposed, coupled with the country’s laudable healthcare system, has highlighted the island as a travel destination that can offer unique experiences to tourists whilst prioritising their health and sanitation.

She added that Sri Lanka is now geared to welcome international leisure travellers, with all aspects of a traveller’s visit been thoroughly evaluated and the necessary safety protocols put in place. 

“Restarting the operations of the tourism and hospitality sector for international visitors after the COVID-19 lockdown is a strategic one for the country and we extend our gratitude to Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts for initiating the process that led to Sri Lanka being stamped safe by the WTTC.” 

The WTTC’s Safe Travels stamp is the first of its kind, specifically designed to combat the ramifications of COVID-19 and similar outbreaks. Recognised and embraced by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), the stamp allows travellers to trot the globe whilst ensuring their safety. 

Envisioning a future of travel that is safe, secure, seamless and authentic, whilst supporting the livelihood of millions, thus sustaining the economic growth of countries, the new global Safe Travel protocols issued by the WTTC are helping the sector restart and speed up recovery, post COVID-19. 

The four-pillared protocols, namely Operational and Staff Preparedness, Ensuring a Safe Experience, Rebuilding Trust and Confidence and Implementing Enabling Policies, are built to reinstate confidence among travellers and initiate a consistent approach to health and hygiene.

Sri Lanka joins the ranks of leading destinations to be stamped safe, including Indonesia, Dubai, Tanzania, Portugal, Mexican Caribbean, Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Turkey, Bulgaria, Jamaica, Mauritius, Ontario, Saudi Arabia, Rwanda and counting, having had its protocols validated by the WTTC, to be in line with those devised by the global organisation.

The operational guidelines implemented by the SLTDA, following the guidance from the Health Ministry and World Health Organisation, are put in place to minimise the chances of community spreading of COVID-19 within Sri Lanka whilst avoiding unnecessary inconvenience to travellers. 

The SLTDA is currently working on providing the stamp of safety to all travel and hospitality-related stakeholders in the private sector, following assessment of their adherence to the SLTDA-imposed COVID-19 safety standards, which have been validated by the WTTC. The safety stamp will have a twofold benefit, both as a value addition to business entities and an assurance for travellers coming to Sri Lanka, in a post-COVID-19 world.

Hotel sector renews call for govt. support

The hotel sector renewed its call for support from the government this week, following the conclusion of the parliamentary election last week, where a five-point recommendation list was put forward for immediate consideration.In a congratulatory statement to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa for the landslide victory achieved at the recently concluded general elections, 

The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) stressed the need for further relief and stimulus packages for the sector that is expected to bounce back to the pre-pandemic levels only by 2022.

“Five months into the crisis, the situation continues to remain uncertain. Industry-wide predictions indicate that tourism will take at least two years to recover. Government support is therefore critical for the industry to stay afloat and secure livelihoods for the over two million Sri Lankans dependent on tourism income,” said THASL President Sanath Ukwatte on behalf of the hard-hit sector.

The first recommendation put forward by THASL is for the government to introduce a two-year debt moratorium of capital and interest on all loans and advances by the sector.
THASL also called for the need to introduce a wage support loan of Rs.20,000 per employee, at 4 percent interest and repayable over at least a 10-year period.

The association further called on the authorities to lift travel restrictions and enhance health protocols for safe travel.

“Travel restrictions could first be lifted for certain countries or regions through creating travel corridors. These could initially include countries that have managed to control the pandemic successfully,” the association suggested.

Furthermore, to encourage domestic tourism, THASL urged the government to declare a four-day work week, similar to that being explored by a number of countries or by declaring the last Friday of the month a public holiday for the next three months. 

Lastly, it recommended the establishment of a task force for tourism to prepare a tourism recovery plan by consulting all stakeholders to rebuild Sri Lanka.