October 24 (DailyMirror) – 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, Russia, Canada and New Zealand.
These advisories, prompted by the potential terrorist threats, have sparked fears that the sector, still recovering from the 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 the future bookings,” Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLITO) President Nalin Jayasundera told Mirror Business.
Last year, several local nationals from Weligama, Mirissa and Arugam Bay had been voicing concerns over Israeli nationals settling in those areas, overstaying their visas and running unlawful businesses. In an on the ground investigation done by Daily Mirror, locals said that they were often threatened by these Israelis when questioned and these nationals also never allowed locals to enter their parties and business establishments.
Meanwhile, Israel’s national security council called on Israelis on Wednesday to immediately leave some tourist areas in southern Sri Lanka over the threat of a possible terrorist attack. The agency said the warning pertained to the area of Arugam Bay and beaches in the south and west of Sri Lanka, and stemmed from “current information about a terrorist threat focused on tourist areas and beaches”.
The Australian travel advisory states:
“There is an ongoing risk of terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka. Terrorists may target areas popular with foreigners and tourists, including regional and coastal towns (see ‘Safety’). The ongoing conflict in the Middle East could increase the threat of attacks against Israeli interests in other regions. The US Embassy in Colombo issued a security alert on 23 October, strongly urging US citizens to avoid the Arugam Bay area until further notice.
To enter Sri Lanka, you will need a visa in the form of an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). You should obtain this before travelling, as there are limited facilities to acquire an ETA on arrival at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport. Public demonstrations can occur throughout Sri Lanka and may become violent. Avoid areas affected by demonstrations, follow local authorities’ advice, and monitor the media for updates.”
New Zealand’s travel advisory states:
“We advise New Zealanders in Sri Lanka to avoid protests, demonstrations, political rallies and events, large crowds and queues. Comply with any instructions from local authorities, including curfews. Monitor local and international media, review personal security plans and stay aware of your surroundings. If you unexpectedly find yourself near a protest, demonstration, large crowd or violent clash, exercise caution and leave the area quickly. Demonstrations may disrupt local public services and transport.”
Canada issues travel advisory:
The Canadian government has issued a travel advisory urging travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in Sri Lanka due to demonstrations, the threat of terrorist attacks and crime, particularly in the Arugam Bay area.
Sri Lankan security forces have implemented enhanced security measures in the Arugam Bay area following reports of a potential threat targeting popular tourist locations, Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya said.
