IN FOCUS
But in a disaster background like what we experienced
recently, it will not gain easy coinage with the security forces
as an urgent need. Contrarily, they may ask for tighter visa
and border control systems. I think those are required too.
Therefore, while agreeing that visa relaxations lead to positive
results, we have to fi nd a middle path solution, sometimes
with new border security systems and improved security
technology being introduced. We will.
Regarding tourist movements earlier, there had been
relaxed operations at the airport. The tourists were received
with open arms and easy security, passport and Customs
clearance procedures were used to transfer tourists. Now the
backpacker tourists will be subjected to tighter security checks
for obvious reasons, which cannot be avoided immediately.
Therefore, terrorists, if they want to operate, will come as
‘Gentlemen Visitors’. However, if the guest country tourist
operatives undertake acceptable security responsibility for the
tourists who arrive in Colombo, there could be motivation for
early relaxation and coordinated checking systems.
The travel and tour operating companies in a “guest
country” have a responsibility to assist the “host country”
authorities and businesses. It will be a way to reassure normalcy
when the guest country motivates customers. Such action in
cooperation and collaboration will send a clear message to the
tourists, as well to the businesses here and in Sri Lanka that the
destination is safe and secured by the Business itself. Solving
these issues early will be benefi cial to tourism businesses in
both countries. Please note that I am requesting you to support
yourselves too while helping our tourist industry.
Tourism revival
The message given by the Sri Lankan tourist industry
and the business community is material for revival. I found
a senior Sri Lankan business personality who is extremely
hopeful stating in the press as follows:
“Sri Lanka has got the best publicity after 10 years. It
was LTTE that gave publicity but it was local. Now it is
Muslim extremism international. Sri Lanka being a small
island nation, if all security systems are depoliticised and
independent, Muslim extremists can be completely wiped
out in a few days. This is the time to give visa-free entry…
Discount inbound travel on SriLankan Airlines by 40%. …
This may increase the load factor to 95% from the current
65% and result in SriLankan breaking even. Discount hotel
rates by 40%. This will increase hotel bookings to 90% during
the next season.
“Give international publicity and visitors who take the
challenge will come. Travel agencies around the world will
give adequate publicity as Sri Lanka being a great destination
to be in at attractive prices. International websites have
already given publicity on attractions of Sri Lanka and what
a great holiday destination Sri Lanka is. This will encourage
new visitors who are looking for an aff ordable holiday. Their
Facebook, Twitter sites will do needful after a great holiday
in paradise.
“All those involved in tourism, big or small, should be
given a grace period to settle loans to banks and other fi nancial
institutions. I trust the authorities will start to give our tourism
a boost without having sad faces and crying tourism has been
hit by $ 1.5 b. We may make $ 2 b if this is done. Make use
of this opportunity. Nothing is lost. We are known globally
now even better than what LTTE did for us. Success depends
on the depth you desire. Within our dreams and aspirations,
we fi nd opportunity.”
This is the feel the business fraternity has on revival. These
changes, if they happen, should receive immense publicity
for which the Sri Lankan Government should invest. If a
resilient country image is not created, and the chest thumping
tales of woe and the fi nding of gelignite sticks or grenades or
kathi knives is the only message we orchestrate to the world,
it will not upgrade or re-grade the image of the destination.
We can learn from the USA after the Twin Towers episode,
Paris terror attacks, etc. on how to rewind during post-disaster
times quickly.
Security systems
The recent disaster has shown the weaknesses of the
hotel industry security systems. In some countries, even in
the region, there are some basic security precautions that are
missing in Sri Lankan hotels. Scanning of persons, baggage,
delivery of kitchen requirements of hotels, entry point
security, etc. are some that come to mind.
Nowadays renting apartments reinforces tourism.
Sometimes tourism-related apartment companies could
generate transactions that should be scrutinised for prevention
of money laundering. These are taken care of by inbuilt
management systems in hotel/apartment business. I am made
to understand that they are connected to Government security
and fi nancial scrutiny authorities in India.
Wherever there is laxity they have to be improved so that
any visitor who checks in is confi dent of the stay, in-house or
outdoors. Post-disaster redevelopment should always follow
the upgrading of systems. The experts and business doers
here should be able to critically examine the status quo and
propose technical solutions to assist the Sri Lankan tourist and
travel trade because you in the trade and industry are experts.
Resilience and resolve
The Government and the private sector functionaries
should give the message of resilience and resolve to overcome
the devastation. This is not only by way of rebuilding the
aff ected infrastructure but through attitudinal change to
resilience. The media – State, private, tourism, institutional
and foreign media – should assist the processes of rebounding.
Already The Kingsbury and Cinnamon Grand hotels have
commenced customer relationship building at a personal
68 • Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist • Vol 7 • Issue 4 • April-May 2019, Noida