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| Sunday, 30 March 2003 |
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Escalation of war blow to tourism by JAYAMPATHY JAYASINGHE With the war in Iraq showing all signs of becoming a protracted affair, Sri Lanka's tourism industry is bracing itself for a drop in tourist arrivals that may once again place the industry in an economically unviable position. Tourism Ministry's Secretary, Dr. P. Ramanujam, said that there were no major cancellations in tourist arrivals from Western Europe. "However, if the war prolongs for a considerable period of time, there is a likelihood of bookings for next winter season getting affected." Dr. Ramanujam said that members from an international group of travel agents from Britain have had discussions with the Tourism Ministry with regard to hosting their next annual general meeting (AGM) in Sri Lanka in November. Around 150 travel agents from Britain are expected to attend the meeting which is a boost to Sri Lanka. Thomas Cook's (Inbound) Manager, Amitha Pieris was optimistic of the war not lasting long to affect tourism in the country. She said there are no cancellations of groups coming from Western Europe as major airlines except those from Kuwait to Sri Lanka. As far as the inbound market is concerned, a large number of tourists, particularly from India, are arriving in the country. However, the Aitken Spence's Managing Director (Travel), Gihan Perera said that if the war prolonged, a drastic reduction in tourist arrivals particularly from the United Kingdom could be expected. Mackinnon Tours, Managing Director, Wasantha Leelananda, said, "no major cancelations from Europe have been reported so far. Things should fall into place if the war ends quickly," he added. Jet wing Hotel's Managing Director, Hiran Cooray, said, " although their hotels enjoy a 95 percent occupancy at present, there could be a drop in tourist arrivals in the coming months if the war escalates. There are no cancellation of tourist arrivals at the moment. However, we have been advised by our travel agents in Western Europe that most Europeans now have adopted a wait-and-see approach before planning their next vacation in the coming months." |
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