October 29, 2021
1 min read

Another boost for Lankan tourism

In addition, from the first week of December, Russia’s AZUR Air and Italy’s Neos Air will fly twice a week to Colombo…reports Asian Lite News

 The Sri Lankan government has approved five new airlines to operate into the country before the end of this year aimed at boosting tourist arrivals following the easing of Covid curbs, Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said.

Accordingly, Sweden’s Edelweiss Air will operate a weekly flight and Russia’s Aeroflot twice a week from November 1, while Air France will fly three times a week from November 3, reports Xinhua news agency.

In addition, from the first week of December, Russia’s AZUR Air and Italy’s Neos Air will fly twice a week to Colombo, the Minister said.

The operations of these airlines into the country will be subject to strict health guidelines.

“The aim is to enhance foreign earnings through the revival of the tourism industry and contribute to the national economy,” Ranatunga said.

With international travel having begun following the administration of the vaccine against Covid-19 globally, nearly 16,500 tourists had arrived in Sri Lanka between October 1 and 24, boosting hopes for the crisis-ridden industry.

“If the trend continues, October is likely to record the highest monthly arrivals for this year,” Ranatunga said

“With the easing of travel restrictions, there is a growing interest from global travellers to visit the country,” the Minister added.

According to official figures, September saw the highest arrival of 13,547 tourists, thereby boosting the first nine months’ figure to over 54,768.

The majority of these tourists were from India, the UK, Pakistan, Russia, Germany, Maldives, Canada, France, the US and Indonesia.

ALSO READ: US announces additional aid to Afghanistan

Previous Story

‘Expo 2020, an opportunity to learn from UAE’

Next Story

UAE explores mechanisms to boost space economy, investment, tourism

Latest from -Top News

Gates to Give 99% Away 

Spread out over time, this will enable the foundation to invest an additional $200 billion (£150.8 billion) in its core focus areas, primarily global health and U.S. education, over the next two

Trump urges restraint  

President Donald Trump expresses concern over the escalating situation between India and Pakistan and stated that he would offer any possible help to de-escalate tensions    President Donald Trump expressed his concern

Up to 1,000 transgender troops moved out

Department officials have said it’s difficult to determine exactly how many transgender service members there are The Pentagon will immediately begin moving as many as 1,000 openly identifying transgender service members out

UAE calls for calm

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, urged Inda and Pakistan to “exercise restraint” and avoid further escalation that could imperil regional and global peace The United Arab
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Lanka PM asks China to restructure debts

Facing crisis with no dollars to import food, fuel, medicine

Lanka’s new President to be named on July 20, confirms minister

The development comes after thousands of people stormed into the