Sri Lanka extends free visa scheme for tourists visiting the country
The government of Sri Lanka has decided to extend the free visa scheme for tourists arriving in the country which was launched last August. The facility has now been extended till April 2020.
“The free visa programme has delivered results,” Co-Cabinet Spokesperson, Minister Ramesh Pathirana has told the media.
“The Tourism and Aviation Minister yesterday proposed to extend this program for another three months, which the cabinet approved,” he has said, adding that the 48 countries which received the free visa approvals over the past six months will continue to receive this benefit.
Responding to questions from local journalists, Pathirana has reportedly said that it was the belief of the Cabinet of Ministers that tourist arrivals had recovered by 10-12 percent due to the free
visa scheme.
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has been lobbying the government for the continuation of the programme despite a loss of revenue to the state.
OSL take:
Sri Lankan authorities have taken many initiatives to further boost the country’s continuously growing tourism industry. Tourist arrivals to the country have increased and continues to grow resulting in many international brands showing interest in entering Sri Lanka. The latest decision of the government of Sri Lanka to extend the free visa programme will help further boost tourist arrivals to the country. Foreign businesses/investors could therefore confidently explore business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/24022020/Z_11 |