South Korea relaxes travel advisory to SL

• Leading tour operators from South Korea to arrive tomorrow on a familiarisation trip

South Korea yesterday announced it has changed the travel advisory to Sri Lanka, due to the improved security and health situation in the country.

Accordingly, the Republic of Korea has moved the travel advisory from level two to level one, with effect from July 1.

There are four levels of travel advisory from level one to level four. While level one and two are ‘exercise normal caution’ and ‘exercise increased caution’, level three and four are ‘reconsider travel’ and ‘do not travel’.

While travelling during the pandemic was entirely discouraged to prevent the spread of Covid-19, Sri Lanka remained in level four and three for a longer period, due to the economic crisis in 2022, which then led to social unrest.

With the situation rapidly improving in the country, the source markets for Sri Lanka tourism have revised the advisories. South Korea is the latest to announce an improved advisory.
The Sri Lanka Tourism Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) speaking to Mirror Business said the move would no doubt reassure the Korean tourists to pick Sri Lanka as their holiday destination, which would in turn undoubtedly increase arrivals from Korea. 

“Currently we have two direct flights a week, with a plan of a third frequency coming into effect later this year. So, all this auger well for inbound tourism from Korea,” said SLAITO Chairman Nishad Wijetunge.

Reflecting similar sentiments was also Andrews Travels, a leader in the Korean tourism market, which stated the third frequency would boost arrivals from that country.

In a bid to increase the popularity of Sri Lanka as a tourist destination, leading tour operators from Korea, hosted by Andrew Travels, will arrive in Sri Lanka tomorrow on a familiarisation trip.