Tourism industry hit by immigration delays and inefficiencies

Monday, 2 September 2024 02:14 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Daily arrivals in August drop from 6,000 to 2,000
Industry suggests country may have lost around 40,000 potential visitors and about $ 120 m earnings in August alone

By Charumini de Silva

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is facing severe setbacks due to prolonged delays and inefficiencies at the country’s main airport, Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

Reports of long-queues, slow moving lines for visa on arrival, and indifferent service by immigration officers have marred the experience for tourists and returning Sri Lankans alike, resulting in a significant drop in daily arrivals and substantial economic impact.

According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), daily arrivals have dropped drastically from around 6,000 visitors to 2,000 since 18 August.

Industry feedback suggests that the country may have lost around 40,000 potential tourists in August alone, reflecting an estimated economic loss of $ 120 million.

Despite these alarming figures, there has been little response from the authorities responsible for immigration.

“We have repeatedly been trying to engage with the Department of Immigration and Emigration Controller General for over a week without success,” a top official of Sri Lanka Tourism told the Daily FT.

He said that Sri Lanka Tourism has been lobbying alongside the Tourism Ministry to address these issues, including the simple step of increasing the number of counters for on-arrival visas. Yet, these efforts have been met with silence.

The situation has sparked criticism from industry stakeholders and travellers. Complaints highlight the stark contrast between the warm welcome Sri Lanka promises and the cold, apathetic reality encountered at its main airport.

These issues have raised concerns about the commitment of immigration services to supporting the tourism industry, a vital foreign exchange generating industry to the economy.

Industry stakeholders claimed that the silence from officials and the lack of concrete actions to improve the situation only add to the frustration.

“The inefficiencies at the BIA are not only deterring tourists, but also tarnishing the image of Sri Lanka as a welcoming destination. Immediate reforms are crucial to streamline the visa, immigration process to show a genuine commitment to reviving the tourism industry,” industry stakeholders pointed out.