By: Staff Writer
November 05, Colombo (LNW): Following a travel warning from Israel’s National Security Council urging citizens to leave Sri Lanka due to a potential terrorist threat, the number of Israeli tourists in the country has plummeted from 514 to a mere 125.
Sources from the Sri Lanka Tourist Police Unit have reported that the few Israeli visitors still present are primarily located in popular tourist areas such as Ella and various destinations along the Southern coast.
On October 23, the National Security Council advised Israeli nationals to vacate tourist hotspots in the South, East, and West coastal towns due to the identified risk of attacks. It recommended that citizens either move to Colombo, where security forces are more concentrated, or consider leaving the country entirely.
The advisory further urged Israeli tourists to hide any indicators of their nationality and avoid crowded places.
The remaining 125 Israeli tourists hold three-month visas, leading to uncertainty about their intentions to either remain or depart in the coming weeks, according to the sources.
At the time the advisory was issued, Israeli travelers were primarily found in hotspots such as Arugam Bay, Pottuvil, Ahangama, Mirissa, Galle, Hikkaduwa, and Weligama—regions renowned for their surfing opportunities and relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Interestingly, despite the travel advisories from various countries including the US, UK, Australia, Russia, Canada, and New Zealand, tourist arrivals from other key markets have remained robust.
While these nations have cautioned their citizens regarding travel to Sri Lanka, there has not been a significant decrease in tourist numbers. Officials report that security measures have been bolstered across all major tourist locations nationwide.
In the first few days of November alone, over 20,000 international tourists have arrived, with no notable decline in visits following the advisories.
Six of the seven countries that issued warnings, with New Zealand being the exception, are among Sri Lanka’s top 20 source markets, together accounting for approximately 30% of total arrivals for 2024.
The initial advisory from the US Embassy in Colombo indicated credible threats of a potential attack in Arugam Bay, a popular surfing destination on the Eastern coast. This alert was quickly mirrored by similar warnings from other nations, including Israel.
To reassure international visitors, the Sri Lanka Tourist Police have confirmed that extensive security measures are being implemented. As the peak tourism season approaches, the industry aims to sustain its attractiveness to global travelers, striving to achieve a target of 2 million arrivals and $3 billion in revenue.
