Tourism industry on edge as travel advisories mount

• Sector stakeholders assert any negative publicity will affect tourism more than any other industry

By Shabiya Ali Ahlam  

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is bracing for challenges following a series of travel advisories issued by several key markets, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Russia.  

These advisories, prompted by potential terrorism threats, have sparked fears that the sector, still recovering from past disruptions, could face a significant setback just as the peak tourist season approaches.  

“Any negative publicity will affect tourism more than any other industry. We don’t yet know the full impact, but our main concern is how this will influence future bookings,” Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) President Nalin Jayasundera told Mirror Business.