Tourism Minister cites visa-free policy by competitive countries major challenge

Tuesday, 23 July 2024 01:33 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Advocates for visa-free entry to boost arrivals
Expresses optimism that President will make favourable decision about visa-free entry to Sri Lanka

Tourism Minister Harin Fernando yesterday said that the primary challenge in achieving the set tourism goals for Sri Lanka lies in competing with neighbouring countries that offer visa-free entry to visitors.

“All our competitive countries in the region are extending free visas for travellers. The biggest issue I face at present is drawing the numbers to achieve set targets,” Fernando explained.

However, he expressed optimism that President Ranil Wickremesinghe will make a favourable decision regarding visa-free entry to Sri Lanka, citing that the matter is being discussed.

“A committee consisting of industry-related association representatives has finalised a report on this matter. Probably today (Monday) or worst case scenario, it will be presented to the Cabinet next week,” he revealed.

Fernando highlighted the potential economic benefits of the move, noting that if visa-free entry leads to increased arrivals from just seven key countries, the additional income could reach $ 184.1 million.

The Minister also pointed out the drawbacks of high visa costs and complex application procedures, stating that these are significant deterrents for potential tourists.

“What we intend to promote is to ensure convenience for travellers. Simple as taking a quick flight and coming to Sri Lanka for a quick holiday,” he said.

Earlier, a Cabinet proposal, jointly submitted by the Tourism Minister and the Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry PC, recommended visa-free entry for citizens of 67 countries. This proposal is still being discussed.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Sri Lanka had already implemented visa-free entry for 48 countries from 1 August 2019, including Austria, Belgium, the US and Japan.

Fernando hopes that reinstating and expanding this policy will significantly boost tourist arrivals and support the country's economic recovery.

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