Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka Tourism was recognized and was featured on CNN International news channel for adopting an innovative model for recommencing Tourism in the new normal amidst the pandemic situation.

The innovative ‘bio-bubble’ concept has allowed for ‘quarantine free’ travel opportunities for visitors while the innovative ‘safe and secure hotel certification’ has paved the way to ensure the safety of the employees and tourism industry stakeholders while ensuring the protection of the local communities. Further Sri Lanka Tourism’s innovative management model through ‘safety guidelines’ was also highlighted which was initially developed by the Ministry of Health and was adopted by Tourism Authority decoding to the industry requirements. This three pillar innovative model has paved the way for Sri Lanka as a destination and the Tourism Industry with the ‘First Mover Advantage’. Compliance with the model and ensuring the industry stakeholders do their part to ensure the tourism bubble is not broken will assist to capitalize on the ‘First Mover Advantage’ and to reap the benefits for the country.

Explaining the model on CNN for ‘First Move with ‘Julia Chatterley’, Ms. Kimarli Fernando, Chairperson, Sri Lanka Tourism emphasized the proactive mechanism Sri Lankan government has adopted from the beginning to manage and to control the pandemic which included the setting up of the ‘quarantine centers’ and the vaccination program specially the initiatives taken to vaccine the tourism industry. Ms. Kimarli Fernando also mentioned about the current tourism arrivals and the emerging market trends experienced early in the demand cycles. She also added about the air route connectivity and developments with 5 new airlines flying into Sri Lanka with the re-opening of the destination for Tourism from 21st January this year.

Also revealed at the interview was Sri Lanka Tourism’s timely and meticulous preparedness for the re-opening of the country for tourism with the safe and secure certification program in place and the training that has taken place for hotels, tour guides and tourist drivers. Further Sri Lanka Tourism has also mapped the process and working throughout to continuously improve the process to ensure a hassle free, safe, secure yet enjoyable stay for the visitors and to ensure the stakeholders have a smooth, efficient system that is sustainable and coordinated.