In a bid to revitalize its tourism industry, Sri Lanka is set to implement a pilot project that grants free tourist visas to visitors from seven specific countries.
This initiative aims to attract tourists and bolster the nation’s tourism sector, which has been adversely affected by events such as the Easter Sunday attack, the COVID-19 pandemic, and subsequent economic challenges.
As the global travel industry looks to rebound from the impact of the pandemic, many Asian countries are striving to regain their share of the tourism market.
One significant strategy employed by these destinations is offering free tourist visas, which has become a common practice. Sri Lanka now joins this trend by introducing a set of new tourism promotion programs to stimulate its tourism industry.
The ambitious goal set by Sri Lanka is to increase the number of annual tourists to five million within the next three years. The implementation of free tourist visas for select countries represents a strategic step in this direction.
These countries include China, India, Russia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. However, it’s essential to note that Pakistan is not included in the list of countries eligible for free tourist visas.
In addition to offering free tourist visas, Sri Lanka is also planning to facilitate access to its world heritage sites and historical places.
One of the proposed measures includes creating a single 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.
Furthermore, the government intends to streamline the process of acquiring tickets for Sri Lanka Railways’ tourist coaches, making them available online or for purchase at the airport.
The decision to offer free tourist visas to select countries is part of a broader effort to stimulate Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, boost economic recovery, and provide travelers with a seamless and enriched experience when exploring the island nation.
The upcoming pilot project signifies a significant step toward revitalizing the tourism sector in Sri Lanka. It is hoped that this initiative will attract travelers from various countries, ultimately contributing to the nation’s economic growth and development.
This move by Sri Lanka aligns with the global trend of adapting to new tourism practices in a post-pandemic world and demonstrates the nation’s commitment to welcoming international visitors and enhancing their travel experiences.
