On-arrival licences drive shift to selftravel, pushing tourism industry to adapt

THE Government's move to issue on-arrival driving licences to tourists is off to a brisk start, with over 120 permits granted in the first three days, whilst pushing the tourism industry to adapt to changing visitor preferences.

- 

Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) Commissioner General Kamal Amarasinghe on Tuesday said the on-arrival temporary driving licence service at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) has issued over 120 permits to international travellers within three days of operation.

"The service is highly welcomed by the travellers and is rolling out successfully," he said.

However, the Daily FT learns that taxi driving associations, who have opposed such measures for decades, have strongly contested the service, while threatening certain officials at Sri Lanka Tourism on protesting the new change.