Terror attacks: Hoteliers say cancellation not at alarming levels

By Nishel Fernando 

Although there are some cancellations in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday attacks, Sri Lanka’s hoteliers say it has not reached alarming levels yet, and the impact would be somewhat contained as the country is currently in the ‘off peak’ season.

“It’s not alarming. There have been some cancellations. However, the positive thing is that we are currently in the off peak season,” Jetwing Chairperson Shiromal Cooray told Mirror Business. 

She noted that it was natural to experience tourist cancellation following such attacks in any country. 

Cooray further opined that the impact of these attacks could be minimized if the law enforcement agencies are able to identify the perpetrators and take them into custody, allowing Sri Lanka to term the unfortunate incident as an isolated incident. However, she emphasised that the speedy implementation of the much delayed three-year global promotional campaign incorporating the recent incidents will be crucial for the country’s tourism industry to retain its momentum.  “We have to go on a different route now, but we have to get it done,” she stressed. 

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairman Kishu Gomes said SLTPB is currently working with a PR agency to rebuild the confidence in the country globally. 

Quoting SriLankan Airlines CEO Vipula Gunatilleka, CNN Business yesterday reported that hundreds of passengers have cancelled bookings since Sunday’s attacks while more cancellations are expected. 

SriLankan Airlines carries about one-third of people flying into Sri Lanka. 

Meanwhile, The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL), Vice President M. Shanthikumar said it is too early to comment on the impact of these attacks on the tourism sector.
Ramada Colombo, where Shanthikumar is a director, has only seen cancellations amounting to less than five percent in the aftermath of Sunday attacks.