Buoyed by a steady increase in tourist arrivals, Sri Lanka presented the country’s tourism roadmap on the Expo 2020 Sri Lanka National Day which was celebrated on January 3 at the Expo Media Centre in Dubai.
 
The event was led by Minister of Foreign Affairs G. L. Peiris, Minister of Tourism & Aviation Prasanna Ranatunga, and Chairperson of Sri Lanka Tourism and Commissioner General for Expo 2020 Dubai Kimarli Fernando, among others.
 
It shed light on Sri Lanka’s readiness for growth and revival of the tourism industry post-pandemic. The National Day also attracted visitors with colourful cultural performances performed at the Al Wasl Plaza situated at the Stage of Nations, the Expo Media Centre said in a statement.
 
Inbound tourism in Sri Lanka is booming due to the successful vaccination programme. As a result, the country is witnessing a decline in Covid-19 infections, with over 85 per cent of the eligible population from the island nation’s 21.9 million being vaccinated.
 
In addition, the administering of booster Pfizer vaccines is rapidly progressing, with priority being given to personnel from the travel industry.
 
During the event, Fernando said: “Sri Lanka has recovered post-pandemic with confidence, and the country is now steadily moving forward, prioritising its tourism sector in the interests of the country and travel-hungry tourists. We are honoured to be awarded the ‘Safe Travel Stamp’ by the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and World Travel & Tourism Council in 2021.”
 
The destination is fully operational for vaccinated as well as non-vaccinated tourists, with a set of health & safety protocols to follow:
- Vaccinated travellers do not need on-arrival PCR tests and can stay at any type of accommodation.
 
- Non-vaccinated travellers need a Covid-19 test on arrival and must stay in a ‘Flexible bio-bubble’ with all facilities of the hotels made available and the ability to visit approved tourist sites.
- All visitors must pay local Covid-19 insurance of $12 with one month cover of $50,000
 
Sri Lanka’s large forest cover accounts for around 30% of its landmass, and with waterways hidden inland, the country is a haven for those seeking to to heal from the stresses of modern living.
Recognised as one of the World’s Top Wellness Destinations in 2021 by the Global Wellness Institute, it is the perfect wellness getaway destination with Ayurveda treatment and Yoga meditation offered by most tourist resorts. In addition, there are forest lodges and hermitages where one can be one with nature.
 
“As a pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka has unique cultural and geological features. Our country has blue water beaches, rich cultural heritage, national parks and avenues for adventurous outings. A holiday in Sri Lanka is no longer an on-screen experience due to a pandemic. We are open and greeting visitors with a warm Ayubowan,” added Fernando to conclude the event.
 
Travellers planning a holiday can visit the Sri Lanka Pavilion in the Opportunity District at Expo 2020 Dubai for more information and guidance. Visitors can also relish Ceylon Tea served with warm hospitality.
 
Further, the Pavilion offers prizes through a raffle draw, including airline tickets to the country courtesy of Sri Lankan Airlines and gem-studded jewellery through Gem and Jewelry Authority.-

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