17,714 frontline Tourism personnel on the waiting list for COVID-19 vaccination

Sri Lanka Tourism has once again requested for a vaccination programme to be organised for tourism industry frontline personnel.

Minister of Tourism Prasanna Ranathunga has approved this request from Sri Lanka Tourism which is now awaiting further intimation on when it would be possible. The Authority has provided details of a total of 17,714 industry stakeholders, including employees of Level- 1 safe and secure certified hotels; certified tour guides, drivers, and hotel employees currently stationed at hotels converted to hospitals and intermediate care centers.

Sri Lanka Tourism’s pioneering ‘bio bubble’ concept which received positive international recognition saw a gradual increase in tourist visits to Sri Lanka when the airport initially re-opened in January 2021. With the hopes of attracting tourists back to the island within the guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health, the utmost priority is the safety of the citizens of the country.

Vaccinating tourism staff on the frontlines of the industry would further safeguard and protect their health and that of tourists while sustaining the industry.

The primary focus of Sri Lanka Tourism is the revival of the sector, and in order to do so it is paramount that all hospitality stakeholders are fully vaccinated. The Authorities are hopeful that with the support of the Tourism and Health Ministries, stakeholders can work together to carry out the vaccine drive and efforts can continue to uplift the industry.