In an unprecedented show of industry solidarity, Sri Lanka’s leading tourism organisations The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) and the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) have teamed up with Sri Lanka Tourism to launch an urgent global reassurance drive, affirming that the country’s tourism sector is functioning normally despite the destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
The two powerful industry bodies have formally requested Sri Lanka Tourism to roll out a coordinated social media and public relations campaign aimed at dispelling negative perceptions overseas.
The campaign is intended to confirm that hotels, transport networks, attractions, excursions, and most tourism zones remain fully operational. This comes ahead of a key diplomatic briefing scheduled for tomorrow (6), where authorities will update all foreign missions on the rapid restoration of tourism services.
At a joint media briefing yesterday, SLTDA Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam, THASL President Asoka Hettigoda and SLAITO President Nalin Jayasundera emphasised that Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has historically proven its resilience during crises and the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah is no exception. They stressed that the upcoming season remains strong, buoyed by industry cooperation, steady arrival numbers, and confidence expressed by global travel partners.
Hewawasam said the Tourism Ministry is conducting a full diplomatic outreach campaign spearheaded by Tourism and Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath. A second round of consultations with ambassadors and high commissioners will be held on Friday, including virtual engagement with Sri Lankan missions abroad. The objective is to give foreign governments an accurate assessment of infrastructure readiness, hotel operations, and traveller safety.
According to Hewawasam, foreign missions have already praised the authorities for their efficient handling of stranded tourists and quick restoration of essential services. He added that arrival statistics up to 30 November align with expected seasonal patterns. “There have been no significant cancellations. Only a marginal 1–5% decline from last-minute regional bookings was seen, primarily from India,” he said.
He highlighted that charter flights, scheduled airline operations, and cruise tourism have not been disrupted. This week, TUI’s Mein Schiff 06, carrying over 2,000 passengers, docked in Colombo a strong signal of continued confidence.
THASL President Hettigoda confirmed that hotels in major tourist corridors including Negombo, Pasikudah, the Cultural Triangle and Jaffna are operating at 65–70% occupancy. Access to Kandy and Nuwara Eliya is improving, with single-lane travel restored. He emphasised that wildlife parks, cultural landmarks, and marine excursions are operating normally and that no shortages of essentials have been reported in tourist areas.
To further strengthen international messaging, THASL, SLAITO and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) will launch a global digital campaign projecting that 90% of the island’s tourism offerings remain fully accessible.
SLAITO President Jayasundera said global tour operators have not withdrawn their commitments and continue promoting Sri Lanka as a top-tier destination. He added that southern destinations, including Yala and Udawalawe, remain unaffected, with visitors offering highly positive feedback.
He stressed that cancellations remain “negligible” compared to strong winter-season bookings, underscoring the industry’s confidence that Sri Lanka’s recovery is well underway.
