Sri Lanka welcomes first batch of travellers after eight months

TDM Editor

Amari Galle Sri Lanka - Things to do

A group of Ukrainian tourists on 28 December became the first batch of holidayers to visit Sri Lanka in more than eight months after the island nation put curbs on international travel due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Ukrainian group arrived as scheduled at the Mattala International Airport in Hambantota as part of a pilot project to welcome back tourists in the country, tourism minister Prasanna Ranatunga said. “We will run this pilot project till January 19. They (tourists) will be allowed to visit identified tourist spots while being in a bio-bubble,” Ranatunga said.

Sri Lanka’s two international airports were closed in mid-March, as the country went into a lockdown due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The lockdown was gradually lifted by mid-May. Initial plans were to open international flight by the end of August but the COVID-19 cases abroad rose and the plans were stalled. Sri Lanka was hit by a coronavirus second wave in October.

Earlier this month, Sri Lankan authorities said they would resume international flight operations from 26 December. However, the latest date for re-opening international travel was also deferred.

The Sri Lankan government has incentivised air travel in the months following the COVID-19-induced air travel break, offering zero parking fee and landing costs for international operators.

So far, the coronavirus has claimed 191 lives along with 41,420 infection in the island nation, according to the Johns Hopkins University.

You might also like

Since you're here...

...there are many ways you can work with us to advertise your company and connect to your customers. Our team can help you design and create an advertising campaign

We can also organize a real life or digital event for you and find thought leader speakers as well as industry leaders, who could be your potential partners, to join the event. We also run some awards programmes which give you an opportunity to be recognized for your achievements during the year and you can join this as a participant or a sponsor.

Let us help you drive your business forward with a good partnership!

Yes, contact me I want to download the media kit

Comments are closed.

More Re-opening updates

Subscribe to our newsletter
Sign up here to get the latest news, updates and special offers delivered directly to your inbox.
You can unsubscribe at any time
Close