Australia’s tourism leaders may have only just lowered their travel advisory for Sri Lanka but tourists are already been planning their return, according to tour operators.
Sri Lanka’s flourishing tourism industry took a hit earlier this year when around 250 people were killed and another 500 injured in a series of suicide bombings on Easter Sunday.
The incident in Lonely Planet’s choice for ‘best country to visit in 2019’ shocked the world and brought tourism to Sri Lanka, which had increased from Australia alone by 19 percent during the first four months of the year, to a halt.
Image: Daniel Klein/Unsplash
Travel advisories around the world, including Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, were quick to warn their citizens to avoid the country in fear of any future attacks.
Now, almost two months after the attack, global governments have started relaxing their advice for Sri Lanka, which in turn is prompting a return in visitors.
Image: Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel‘s Destination Manager India, Himalaya and Sri Lanka, Meghan Verbeek, told KARRYON that this week the operator experienced its first “positive bookings week” for the South Asian country.
Verbeek said Google searches for Sri Lankan trips to the Intrepid site also increased by 13 percent, a figure she expects to continue growing as word gets out that tours are running normally again.
Image: Rajiv Perera/Unsplash
“For anyone thinking about travelling to Sri Lanka, now is a very special time to go. Attractions like Lion’s Rock are far less busy and you really will be supporting the country while it recovers from this tough time.”
Meghan Verbeek, Intrepid Travel Destination Manager India, Himalaya and Sri Lanka
“Our local leaders and travellers are recounting very touching stories about locals going out of their way to thank them for continuing to visit Sri Lanka.”
Wendy Wu Tours has also seen a similar rise in interest for the destination, with Global Chief Executive Joe Karbo telling KARRYON that there’s been a “steady uptake in bookings in the last few weeks”.
“[We] expect that to continue – all future departures are scheduled to run as per normal.”
Joe Karbo, Wendy Wu Tours Global Chief Executive
Local tourism operators such as Malik Fernando, the owner of Resplendent Ceylon, a luxury resort in Colombo, have welcomed recovering interest in Sri Lanka along with the adjustment in travel advisories.
Fernando described tourism as a “big part” of the people’s economy and said it supports one in 10 families.
“The relaxation of the advisory is excellent news,” he said.
“We have a close connection with Australia as one of our fastest growing inbound markets and look forward to welcoming visitors back with open arms. We are extremely grateful for the outpouring of support over the past month.”
- READ: Sri Lanka’s tourism industry suffers cancellation
- READ: Updates and tributes flow from Australian Travel Suppliers
- READ: Is it safe right now for Australians to travel there?