Sri Lanka Travel Update: Why the Island Remains Open and Welcoming After Cyclone Ditwa
Sri Lanka Tourism News and Travel Advice
Sri Lanka, one of the loveliest places I’ve ever visited, was recently hit by Cyclone Ditwa and, not surprisingly, it has featured widely across the international news-headlines.
Of course, my thoughts go to all the friends and wonderful hosts and others I have met in that most magical of islands. However, it seems that the focus of the 24-hours news machine has not exactly helped… The Sri Lanka economy absolutely relies on tourism and these headlines are not helping as the main visitor season gets underway.
Contacts of mine tell me the majority of country was not as badly affected as some of the news-stories would have us believe, which is why I am putting this post up to remind anyone whose ever fancied a visit that the Pearl of the Indian Ocean remains very much open for business.
What the Travel Industry Is Saying About Sri Lanka After the Cyclone
Insights from the British Guild of Travel Writers
Here’s what Chis Coe, chair of the British Guild of Travel Writers has to say…
“During our first convention in Sri Lanka last May, Sri Lanka and its people captured many of our hearts. Following our visit, and thanks in part to the coverage which many we generated, Sri Lanka was heading for record visitor numbers this year and this was to set them on the path to recovery following many difficult years.
Fishermen on Sri Lanka’s south west coast
“Last weekend Cyclone Ditwa hit the island, causing flooding and landslides. Whilst this has affected the country dramatically, news coverage has been less than accurate and this is resulting in many tourists, with winter sun and cultural and safari holidays booked, now cancelling.
“The true story is that only the central parts hill country have been really badly hit, whilst the rest remains ready to welcome visitors. The area around Kandy and the tea country, which some of you visited and had a wonderful time in, is worst affected - cut off with landslides blocking most of the access routes, so aid is slow to get in. But whilst there has been some damage in other areas, the rest of the country is open.
We were generously hosted in many places by Jetwing Hotels, the biggest hotel group in the country and one with a strong sustainability ethos. “
Jetwing Hotels Owner Hiran Cooray
Owner Hiran Cooray’s message to you and the world is:
“Everything is almost back to normal everywhere and the recovery process has been incredibly fast by our amazing armed forces and government working through the night to rescue, clear roads and landslides. We are thankful the tourists have stayed on and spreading joy across the world about their amazing travel experiences in Sri Lanka”
On-the-Ground Travel Update from Sri Lanka
First-Hand Impressions from Recent Arrivals
And here is what John Vincent, Managing Director of Vector 7 Digital Marketing, has to say having just flown into Sri Lanka…
“Taxis and roads to the beaches of the south, fine. Yes, some fields filled with water and some houses sitting sadly in mud, but no reasons to cancel plans. The island is filled with magic and the most diverse ecosystem on the planet. So hill travel may be on some different routes as one or two bridges will take time to fix. For you, what’s
the hurry?
“The less beaten track may introduce you to some incredible vistas and
to meet some amazing people not on the normal route. Hearing from friends across the country, flooding is not an uncommon occurrence across Asia in the rainy season.
“Landslides happen and their thoughts turn to solutions… More trees, better buildings, simple plans which stretch across the country into the future.
Sri Lanka faces battles in these times: financial, crisis, lockdowns, fuel crises - but their biggest battle now is in the minds of other nations. Monsoons and rains: they happen, and we can meet these challenges head on, but the side by side action of reassurance can only be done gently. The strength of the nation to endure is wonderful, it is in us all, humans are fighters, we have to be.
But the strength within us all is the ability to stand at each other’s sides and offer reassurance, help and friendship. So as many householders sweep the mud from their homes, rebuild their businesses and stand beside their neighbours bearing this burden together, I think we tourists questioning our plans to visit should sweep the mud from our eyes and look behind the news at a nation, capable and strong, and able to deliver access to beaches and stunning parks, temples, forts and lakes.”
Why Travellers Should Keep Sri Lanka in Their Plans
I can only echo those sentiments, and certainly look forward to my next visit to this most fabulous and friendly of destinations.
