Several countries revise and soften travel advisories issued on Sri Lanka
India, Switzerland, Sweden and China have been added to list of countries that have softened their travel advisories to Sri Lanka.
India, which is Sri Lanka’s largest source of tourists, has reportedly stated that the security situation is gradually returning to normal, with the lifting of curfew and restrictions on social media, as well as reopening of schools, in its latest update to travellers. However, it called on Indian travellers to remain vigilant and careful.
Switzerland relaxing its travel advice on Sri Lanka has quoted Swiss Ambassador Hanspeter Mock saying the Swiss government no longer advises to avoid unnecessary travel to Sri Lanka, but noted that travellers should maintain a high level of personal security during their stay in the country.
The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has reportedly noted that political and social tensions were still high in Sri Lanka, and they could trigger violent clashes at any time and throughout the country. FDFA believes the tense political environment is likely to remain in Sri Lanka till the end of the elections in December 2019.
China had also eased its travel advisory earlier this week. China is the second largest source of tourists to Sri Lanka.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s tourism sector that was recording impressive growth rates until last month’s Easter Sunday attacks, is now engaged in bouncing back from the recent blow. The government of Sri Lanka has already introduced a relief package to the tourism sector and tourism authorities have commenced promotional campaigns to attract visitors to the country. The revision of travel advisories on Sri Lanka by several countries is indicative of the country’s tourism sector gradually returning to normal. Tourists from several countries have recommenced visits to Sri Lanka. Therefore foreign businesses/investors could explore business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, especially in introducing the latest trends in tourism to the island nation.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/31052019/Z_2 |