Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
FT
Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
Monday, 4 November 2024 03:40 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
In the wake of the travel advisory from Israel’s National Security Council urging its citizens to exit Sri Lanka over a possible attack, the number of Israeli tourists in the country has sharply dropped from 514 to just 125 at present.
“These remaining Israeli visitors are reported to be staying in popular tourist destinations like Ella and various locations along the Southern coast,” sources from the Sri Lanka Tourist Police Unit told the Daily FT.
On 23 October, Israel’s National Security Council urged its citizens in Sri Lanka to leave tourist hotspots in the South, East, and West coastal towns due to a potential risk of terrorist attacks. It advised Israeli nationals to relocate to Colombo, where security forces are more concentrated, or to consider leaving the country altogether.
In addition, the advisory urged Israeli tourists to conceal signs that indicate their nationality and avoid large gatherings.
“The 125 Israeli tourists still in Sri Lanka have three-month visas, making it uncertain whether they will choose to stay or leave in the coming weeks,” the sources added.
When the advisory was first issued, Israeli tourists were largely concentrated in hotspots like Arugam Bay, Pottuvil, Ahangama, Mirissa, Galle, Hikkaduwa and Weligama – areas popular for their surfing and laid-back coastal lifestyle.
Interestingly, the sources noted that arrivals from other key markets have remained strong, despite travel warnings issued by several other countries including the US, UK, Australia, Russia, Canada, and New Zealand. While many of these nations have advised caution for travellers heading to Sri Lanka, there has been no significant outflow of tourists.
According to officials, security has been heightened in all major tourist hotspots across the country. “There are over 20,000 international tourists arrived in the first few days of November, with no observable decline in visits following the advisories,” they added.
Six of the seven countries that issued warnings, excluding New Zealand, rank among Sri Lanka’s top 20 source markets, collectively accounting for around 30% of total arrivals in 2024. The initial advisory from the US Embassy in Colombo cited credible information of a potential attack in Arugam Bay, a surfing hub on the Eastern coast. This advisory was swiftly followed by similar alerts from other countries, including Israel, urging caution.
Sri Lanka Tourist Police assured that extensive security measures are in place to reassure all international visitors.
As the high-season for tourism approaches, Sri Lanka’s tourism industry hopes to maintain its appeal among international travellers, in maintaining the momentum of its sector’s growth to reach the 2 million arrivals and $ 3 billion revenue target.
