A virtual awareness session for the Travel Trade in Western India was held on 19 January 2021 to announce the re-opening of Sri Lanka for international tourists from 21
st January 2021. This was the first awareness session organized for the Indian Market to inform of Sri Lanka’s re-opening and the “safety protocols” associated with the re-opening of the country for tourists.
Chairperson, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) Kimarli Fernando, Consul General Mumbai Chamari Rodrigo, President, Travel Agents Association of India Jyoti Mayal, Acting President, Travel Agents Federation of India Pradip Lulla, travel agents based in Western Region of India and Senior Officials of the SLTPB participated at this meeting.
EU insists virus shots will remain voluntaryÂ
The Associated Press has reported that the European Union is attempting to ease concerns that citizens might be obliged to get shots against the coronavirus before they re allowed to travel.
EU heads of stare and government are due to discuss a Greek proposal to issue vaccination certificates to help get travellers to their vacation destinations more quickly at a video summit on Thursday.
European Commission Vice-President
Maros Sefcovic insisted that vaccination is voluntary. He noted that some people cannot be inoculated for health reasons while others might simply object.
Azamara cruise line sold
January 19, 2021
COLOMBO (AFP) – Sri Lanka will re-open its borders to foreign tourists this week after a 10-month hiatus, officials said yesterday, with travellers subject to tough COVID-19 protocols.
The announcement came despite a surge in Covid-19 cases and deaths, as authorities sought to revive a once-lucrative tourism sector devastated by the deadly 2019 Easter bombings and the pandemic.
“Every precautionary measure has been set in place to make the island getaway as safe, secure and serene as possible for visitors,” the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau said in a statement, with borders due to open on Thursday.
Under the protocols, tourists will be allowed to stay in 55 designated hotels – off limits to locals except for staff – across the country.