EFFECT OF UNCERTAINTY ON TOURISM
Sri Lanka’s political situation has resulted in travel advisories being issued by countries including the US, the UK, Canada, Australia and Germany amidst the prevailing climate of uncertainty.
While the tourism industry does not seem to have been affected so far, which could be due to the ongoing tour of the England cricket team and upcoming test match, tourist numbers may decrease if the advisories continue.
Earlier this year, several countries issued travel advisories following violent incidents in Digana.
A member of the hotel sector told reporters that “two advisories for the year do not portend well for tourism or the economy,” adding that it was ironic that the current political uncertainty arose just five days after Sri Lanka was named the No. 1 travel destination in the world by international travel guide Lonely Planet.