SL rushes to assure tourists

Tourism for a joint social media and a PR campaign aimed at countering any negative perceptions

- BY CHARUMINI DE SILVA

IN a rare show of unified industry action, top tourism bodies-The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) and the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) have joined hands with Sri Lanka Tourism to urgently reassure international travellers that the island's tourism industry is 'back to normal' following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.

The two leading industry bodies have requested the Sri Lanka Tourism for a joint social media and a PR campaign aimed at countering any negative perceptions and confirming that hotels, travel routes, excursions and key tourist attractions are functioning across most regions, as authorities meet all foreign missions tomorrow (5) to brief them on the industry's swift recovery after the devastating natural disaster.

In a joint media briefing yesterday, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam, THASL President Asoka Hettigoda, and SLAITO President Nalin Jayasundera stressed that Sri Lanka's tourism sector has long demonstrated its resilience and ability to "bounce back fast," with Cyclone Ditwah proving no exception.

They said the outlook for the season remains strong, supported by coordinated industry action, strong diplomatic engagement and reaffirmed confidence from global travel partners.