impact of COVID19 on Sri Lanka Tourism Research Papers (original) (raw)

Sri Lankan economy is of 84 bn USD and out of this 5% is form tourism and it is also to be stressed that the community sensitivity of this 5% is extremely strong compared to some economic activities. Out of 22 mn population it is estimated that over 2 million people are directly or indirectly live on tourism making it is invertible in the economy. The ongoing pandemic has challenged globalization and global networks of interdependency where countries are driven towards self-sufficiency. This really is a myth and the global business operations are to be continued once the COVID 19 is successfully curbed in near future. Moreover, foreign remittances and textile industry are also in severe risks which are the other two significant income sources of Sri Lankan economy. Thus, tourism industry and global operations of the tourism biasness are to continue in a strong manner after Corona. Thus it is the time for Sri Lanka to rebrand, re-position and build strong destination image by displaying our strong human, social and rich values of hospitality that will lead the post COVID 19 tourism industry in the front of global competition. The global pandemic of novel Corona has not only brought entire socioeconomic structures in to a standstill but has challenged the globalization and global operations of enterprises. Paradoxically, potential repercussions and alternative way outs are yet volatile. However, for a speedy recovery and regain of the economy, employment and business functions a sustainable and fresh beginning is necessary in most of the worsened economic sectors. Conventionally, an infection used to attack the vulnerable groups with food, health care insecurity in their lifestyle and they normally used to be the poor of the society. Ironically, novel Corona infection first attacked the international travellers and the pandemic was caused through the travel and thus has confronted mainly the affluent social class globally. Since, tourism is one of the largest and fastest growing industries globally; it is expected to play a significant role in regaining the socioeconomic stability after Covid 19 pandemic. It is a key contributor to the Island economies and one of the most important industries that generates much needed foreign currency in Sri Lankan economy. Consequently, travel has become one of the key contributors of carrying the virus around the globe causing tremendous pressure on international travel and tourism operations including airline industry. It was recently confirmed that Qantas admitted viral infection to a large group of its crew challenging airline operations globally. Travel, tourism, hotel and MICE industry as an umbrella industry operation is facing immense challenges at present. The global and local context of the outbreak, impacts of the outbreak and suggestions for speedy recovery (short and long term) are critically evaluated in this review.

The present study attempts to evaluate the impact of COVID19 on Sri Lanka tourism industry and to make recommendations on the tourism recovery process. The study considers three vital sectors to evaluate the impact on Sri Lanka tourism: impact on the source markets, impact on the local tourism resources, and impact of travel bans, suspension of flights and curfew regulations. The study also envisages on the potential tourist generating countries to Sri Lanka, future travel behavior of the potential tourists, future tourism products demanded, and future operational challenges for the tourism and hospitality establishments. The study finally forwards short-term strategies to protect and promote Sri Lankan tourism industry with multi-stakeholder participation.