THASL hails govt.’s move to relax rules for incoming travellers

• Expects further easing once 60% of population fully vaccinated
• Says new process “less cumbersome” and “visitor friendly”
• ‘Summer special’ to re-launch Sri Lanka Tourism

  The government’s decision to relax rules for incoming passengers from non-travel restricted countries was well received by the tourism sector, which remains optimistic of further easing of regulations in the coming months once 60 percent of the population is fully vaccinated. 

The Hotel Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) yesterday welcomed the decision to allow fully vaccinated persons to enter the country with a PCR negative test result 72 hours prior to arrival and one on arrival.

While the need for a final PCR test after 7 days for fully vaccinated visitor remains, the association said the new process is “much less cumbersome” than the earlier protocols and is “more visitor friendly”.

 “It is a testament of constructive and positive work the industry as a whole has undertaken with the government.
We anticipate further relaxation of restrictions once 60 percent of the population is fully vaccinated as lockdowns and restrictions have destroyed our industry,” THASL said commending the efforts of the government in streamlining the travel process for tourists.

In addition to the relaxed quarantine rules, tourists will also no longer need to get approval from the Foreign Ministry to enter Sri Lanka, and instead are required to obtain Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) using the protocols stipulated in Sri Lanka Tourism’s official website.

THASL assured that it will not let the guard down and that tourism businesses will continue to offer safe, secure and enjoyable experiences for both international visitors and local clientele. 

Pointing out that the industry has been one of the worst-hit sectors during the last two years, due to the deadly Easter Sunday attack and then the COVID-19 pandemic, THASL said the easing of rules marks the beginning of the industry’s long road to recovery. 

However, it stressed the need for government’s assistance in restructuring the recurring debt.

Meanwhile, THASL shared that stakeholders are currently collectively working on a ‘Summer Special,’ which is an introductory offer to re-launch destination Sri Lanka.