Sri Lanka has unveiled a plan to rejuvenate its tourism sector by introducing a trial program that offers complimentary tourist visas to visitors from seven specific nations.
This initiative is aimed at luring tourists and supporting the country’s tourism industry, which has been hit hard by events such as the Easter Sunday attack, the COVID-19 pandemic, and subsequent economic challenges.
As the global travel industry seeks to recover from the pandemic’s impact, numerous Asian countries are striving to regain their share of the tourism market.
One major approach taken by these destinations is the provision of free tourist visas, which has become a common practice. Sri Lanka is now joining this trend by introducing a series of new programs to promote tourism and boost its industry.
Sri Lanka’s ambitious objective is to increase annual tourist arrivals to five million within the next three years, and the introduction of free tourist visas for specific countries is a strategic step in this direction.
These countries encompass China, India, Russia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. However, it’s important to note that Pakistan is not included in the list of countries eligible for complimentary tourist visas.
In addition to offering free tourist visas, Sri Lanka also intends to simplify access to its world heritage sites and historical locations.
One of the proposed measures includes creating a unified payment package ticket, allowing tourists to gain entry to multiple relevant sites. These tickets can be conveniently purchased at the airport or through an online system.
Moreover, the government plans to streamline the process of obtaining tickets for Sri Lanka Railways’ tourist coaches, making them available online or for purchase at the airport.
The decision to provide free tourist visas to specific countries is part of a broader initiative to stimulate Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, promote economic recovery, and offer travelers a seamless and enhanced experience when exploring the island nation.
The upcoming trial project represents a significant stride toward rejuvenating Sri Lanka’s tourism sector. It is expected that this endeavor will entice travelers from diverse countries, ultimately contributing to the nation’s economic growth and development.
Sri Lanka’s move aligns with the global trend of adapting to new tourism practices in a post-pandemic world and underscores the nation’s commitment to welcoming international visitors and enhancing their travel experiences.
