Sri Lanka to Bolster Wildlife Tourism Trends to Catalyse Travel Sector’s Future

Having surpassed the turbulences caused by multiple terror attacks in 2019, Sri Lanka’s tourism and hospitality industry was hoping for a remarkable 2020, until coronavirus shattered all dreams!!

Several luxury hotels had witnessed a major drop in bookings in the past few months. To jump back onto its feet, the country’s tourism sector now aims to cater to its wildlife tourism trends.

The country has recently started welcoming international tourists with its first batch of vacationers being Ukrainian tourists, it is planning to promote its rich flora and fauna to lure more international tourists. Sources claim that the project will be kept running till January 19 to allow tourists visit vacation spots in a bio-bubble.

Since tourism is Sri Lanka’s third largest foreign exchange earner and employs over 402,000 people, the country’s focus on growing wildlife tourism trends, reflects its determination to stand tall upon its feet. Elaborating upon the idea, Sri Lanka’s Tourism Chairperson Kimarli Fernando, has segregated wellness, wildlife and film tourism as areas of key interest.

To promote a total of 4,956 tourist sites, Sri Lanka is now embracing the modifications in digitalisation and working to incorporate the use of advanced technology in travel and hospitality industry. The country has also developed a special mobile app for travellers planning to visit post-pandemic. The application has been made via funds from the United Nations Development Program. It will help travellers with registration, immigration and enlist proper Covid-19 protocols.

Over the past few years, several filmmakers and producers have also focused on Sri Lanka’s rich wildlife. This has shaped the outlook of travellers and is a major reason for the upcoming changes in wildlife tourism trends. Elephants at the Uda Walawe National Park (UWNP) are an amazing sight for tourists driving from the city of Colombo. Also, elephant gatherings at the banks of the Minneriya-Kaudulla have led to significant increase in tourist arrivals.

Besides, focusing on the wildlife tourism trends, the country’s hotel industry is improving its tourist establishments to ensure a safe and secure stay for its tourists. As one of the first Asian countries to appoint KPMG for auditing and certifying its hotels, the country is sure to work upon its charisma.

The country’s wildlife tourism is an important source of income for those employed to work as safari jeep drivers, and those who work in the wildlife conservation department.

In order to maintain the strength of the country’s domestic travel market, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) has started promoting wildlife via live-streaming. For representing its exotic wildlife and natural habitat, the country has collaborated with various private service providers.

The news was affirmed in an official statement by the board — “Though the initiative directly targets wildlife enthusiasts, it is not limited to one segment but will expand to a wider spectrum of global travellers. It is also expected to contribute positively to the local industry, especially the wildlife service providers to capitalise in a post-Covid traveller scenario”.

Despite being baffled by travel challenges over the past few months, Sri Lanka is hoping to attract more visitors. For now, the country’s focus on wildlife tourism is a great way to kick-start an optimistic 2021.