Sri Lanka Tourism outlines recovery plan following Easter Sunday terror attacks
One week on from the deadliest terror attacks perpetrated in Sri Lanka since the end of the Civil War, the country’s tourism board has revealed how it responded and outlined its recovery plan.
In the immediate aftermath of the attacks, the tourism board has revealed that trained teams were deployed to the affected hotels, all hospitals and the airport to ensure all tourists directly affected by the attacks received the care, attention and assistance they needed.
In addition to the help desks at hotels, airports and tourist information centres, Sri Lanka Tourism set up an emergency hotline to ensure tourists and their loved ones back home had access to accurate information and the entire suite of emergency services.
Updated information continues to be issued via local and global media, social media, and foreign missions on a regular basis.
Sri Lanka Tourism chairman Kishu Gomes (pictured above) said it was important to review emergency response protocol in the immediate aftermath of the attacks.
He said the tourism board was focused on organising our response in emergency care and assistance, providing access to clear and accurate information, and working with all national and local law enforcement agencies and foreign missions to ensure the safety and security of tourists.
“Addressing security issues is a prerequisite for the revival of tourism, and we continue working closely with all relevant authorities to support all foreign nationals in the country,” he said.
“Sri Lankan police and Tri forces are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of all tourists currently in Sri Lanka. This is absolutely our first priority.”
With one in every 10 Sri Lankan families depending on tourism for their livelihood both directly and indirectly, Gomes said the tourism board is focused on ensuring that the right groundwork is laid to drive an effective and efficient recovery of the industry.
“We cannot allow ourselves to become paralysed by fear. Nearly half a million families across the island depend on us for their daily living; the impact on our economy must be mitigated,” he said.
“We are working to regain the confidence of global travellers and operators by demonstrating that Sri Lanka’s response to the incident is effective, while reassuring future tourists that all appropriate steps are being taken by the Sri Lanka government to prevent any future incidents and ensure the continued safety and security tourists within the country.”
Several high-level, cross-industry working sessions that included both the public and private sector stakeholders have been conducted with the objective of outlining the strategic framework of the recovery strategy, according to the tourism board.
These have been accompanied by a phased-out action plan with the objective of minimising the financial impact of cancellations, as well as maintaining and rebuilding the country brand, and managing the long-term impact of the tragic incident.
Planned promotional activity to go ahead
Sri Lanka Tourism has decided to continue all planned promotion activity to ensure the protection of the industry and renew confidence in the destination from wider global tourism communities.
Sri Lanka Tourism made its presence felt at ATM in Dubai this week, with the country’s delegation beginning day one of the event by observing two minutes silence in honour of the innocent victims, as well as arranging a book of condolence to be placed at the Sri Lanka pavilion for visitors to sign and write messages of sympathy to the victims and their families.
Furthermore, Sri Lanka Tourism will address the tourism community at the prestigious fifth UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism in San Sabastian in Spain this week.
The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau will also be present at IMEX in Frankfurt later this month. IMEX is a worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events – a sector that is a major growth driver for the Sri Lanka market.
The only tourism and travel fair in Sri Lanka, Sancharaka Udawa, will be held in on 7 and 8 June.
This unique exhibition, now in its ninth edition, is open to all businesses within the local tourism ecosystem and is organised by Sri Lanka Association of Tour Operators (SLAITO) in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB).
The 14th edition of The Lanka Challenge which flagged off on 20 April successfully concluded on 27 April at Suriya Resort Waikkaka. This event was organised by Large Minority in association with Connaissance de Ceylan, and sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism and SriLankan Airlines.
This unique rally saw 53 International participants ride in 20 tuk tuks across a 1000-kilometre route that track through Sri Lanka.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Kishu Gomes sri lanka Sri Lanka Tourism terror attackLatest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!