THASL welcomes relaxed rules on vaccinated overseas visitors to SL

Friday, 9 July 2021 02:48 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL), in a statement yesterday, welcomed the Government’s decision to ease health restrictions for incoming passengers from non-travel restricted countries.

THASL thanked the Government, especially the Ministry of Health, Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga, Secretary S. Hettiarachchi, Chairperson Kimarli Fernando and Director-General Dhammika Wijayasinghe for their untiring efforts in facilitating the reopening of the industry with minimum inconvenience to visitors but yet maintaining strict health guidelines.

“We welcome the decision to allow fully-vaccinated persons to enter the country with a PCR negative test result 72 hours prior to arrival and one on arrival. The need for a final PCR test after seven days for fully vaccinated visitors will remain,” THASL said.

“This process is much less cumbersome than the earlier protocols and is more visitor-friendly. It’s a testament to the constructive and positive work the industry as a whole has undertaken with the Government. We anticipate further relaxation of restrictions once 60% of the population is fully vaccinated as lockdowns and restrictions have destroyed our industry,” it added.

THASL said tourism businesses will continue to offer safe, secure and enjoyable experiences for both international visitors and local clientele. In doing so, it will also safeguard jobs and livelihoods.

“Having been one of the worst-hit sectors, this only marks the beginning of our long road to recovery and the industry still needs the Government assistance in restructuring their recurring debt. Currently, the industry is collectively working on a three-month ‘summer special’, an introductory offer to relaunch the destination,” THASL added.