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The number of ‘Safe and Secure’ hotels have doubled since its introduction in late January to resume the tourism industry post-COVID.
Sri Lanka Tourism has audited and certified a total of 204 ‘Safe and Secure’ accommodation providers countrywide to allow international bookings.
As of 15 February, a total of 97 Level 1 hotels and 107 other hotels were certified as ‘Safe and Secure’. It accounts to 11,540 rooms, which is around 30% of the total room capacity in the country.
“On 21 January, the country had only 47 Level 1 hotels certified and the numbers are increasing on a daily basis now,” Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson Kimarli Fernando told the Daily FT.
However, Sri Lanka Tourism said the hotels are entrusted with the decision on becoming a ‘Safe and Secure’ Level 1 hotel that takes exclusive international bookings.
“Almost one third of the room capacity has been certified countrywide across all categories of accommodation providers. We will not be directing the hotels into becoming a Level 1 hotel to take exclusive international bookings and it is a decision left up to discretion of the respective hotels,” she added.
Since the reopening of borders, nearly 2,800 tourists have visited Sri Lanka.
Fernando also said that Sri Lanka Tourism has permitted hotels and accommodation providers to switch from taking international bookings to domestic booking with ‘prior notice’.
“This flexibility by Sri Lanka Tourism will ensure hotels to maximise their returns, while also ensuring safety,” she added.
The ‘Safe and Secure’ certification is done free for the hotels, where the cost is being borne by Sri Lanka Tourism to support the COVID-hit industry. The certification ensures that the health and safety protocols are followed, which is critical for a safe restart to tourism in the country.
She said the industry was provided with the operational guidelines over seven months ago, ensuring they adhere to the safe and secure operations. This process was put in place to ensure the hotels and accommodation providers are prepared to serve the international visitors in the new normal context.
As the world has opened to tourism on varying scales citing few examples, she said: “Philippines and Indonesia are closed for tourists, but Singapore and Vietnam are opened for limited nationalities. Thailand is open with a 14-day strict quarantine. Destinations like Dubai who were open early and freely are now feeling a negative impact of the pandemic as COVID-19 cases surge. Maldives’ geographic characteristics are unique and can’t be compared to Sri Lanka.”
Fernando said it is critical for Sri Lanka to open the borders in a prudent way. Hence, the efforts invested by Sri Lanka Tourism is to protect visitors, communities and the industry.
Pointing out that tourism is a foreign exchange earning industry, she said it was timely to permit hotels and industry stakeholders to collect funds in foreign currency.
“A web-based solution is expected to be introduced in the near future which will then allow the visitors and service providers to make the payment of COVID insurance of $ 12 and $ 40 per PCR test directly to Sri Lanka Tourism. These process improvements will be strived for continuously by Sri Lanka Tourism, which will enable an efficient and effective system for visitors and industry,” she said.
Sri Lanka Tourism is authorised to collect the payments related to COVID insurance and PCR tests.
Fernando also said that Sri Lanka Tourism will continue to support the industry with hands-on practical training, webinars, discussions to ensure adherence to health and safety protocols to make the country a safe place for all. (CdeS)
