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New Zealand tourism releases recovery plan

New Zealand tourism releases recovery plan

New projections for the recovery of New Zealand tourism suggest that it could be 2024 before the industry gets close to its “new normal”…reports Asian Lite News

Tourism Industry Aotearoa (New Zealand) (TIA) released a Tourism Industry Roadmap to an online audience of more than 400 at the opening of Tourism Summit Aotearoa on Monday. The roadmap sets out an up-to-the-minute analysis of how the industry recovery might progress over the next few years.

New Zealand tourism releases recovery plan

Drawing on the opinions and expertise of two dozen tourism leaders, the Roadmap aims to provide guidance by industry, for industry, so that tourism businesses can plan for a range of potential pathways, TIA Chief Executive Chris Roberts said.

“Even if operators disagree or will make up their own minds, this roadmap work will form a basis for their own business planning. Not many government or private sector analysts are covering tourism so this information may also be used to ensure better consideration of tourism across a wide range of processes,” Roberts said.

Quarantine-free travel is key to attracting international visitors back to New Zealand, he said.

“We know it will be a step-by-step process but the best way to get moving on the road ahead is to complete the first few small steps safely and swiftly.”

The Roadmap analysis shows there is a 16-billion-New Zealand dollar potential additional loss in foreign exchange earnings if there are delays to the removal of border restrictions, Xinhua news agency reported.

“Twenty-six billion New Zealand dollars in earnings from international visitors has already been lost since border restrictions began in February 2020. The analysis suggests a further 23-billion-New Zealand dollar loss in the next three years, but this could balloon to 39 billion New Zealand dollars if our reconnection to the world is delayed.”

The new normal for travel is shaping up around the world but New Zealand is on the edge in terms of logistics, connections and potentially decision making, according to the Roadmap expert group.

Government policy settings will continue to be strongly influential over the next 12 months but New Zealand is seen as a safe destination and there is pent-up demand. The impact of new virus variants on global travel is identified as creating additional uncertainty.

ALSO READ: China cuts tourism, transport amid Covid surge

By 2023, the main challenges are expected to be availability and cost of air travel, as well as international competition from other visitor destinations. But a partial recovery is expected, with a return to the new normal in 2024.

Tourism in New Zealand comprises an important sector of the national economy, which directly contributed about 6 percent of the country’s GDP prior to Covid-19.

As New Zealand’s biggest export industry contributing 20.4 per cent of total exports, it directly employed 8.4 per cent of the New Zealand workforce before Covid, according to Stats New Zealand. (1 New Zealand dollar equals $0.70 dollar)

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-Top News Travel & Tourism UAE News

UAE updates Covid-19 border entry rules

Dubai

The UAE has updated the entry procedures through land borders for the citizens of neighbouring countries and those living in border areas, who are repeatedly entering and leaving the UAE…reports Asian Lite News

The procedures announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, and the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority are effective from Tuesday, 23rd November.

According to the updated procedures, all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens, or foreigners who are vaccinated with approved vaccines and booster doses, must present a negative PCR test that does not exceed 14 days to enter land borders.

They also have to undertake a PCR test on the sixth day of entry if they stayed six consecutive days or more.

As for the non-vaccinated, they must present a negative PCR test conducted no more than 72 hours before the date of arrival. Those who will be staying in the UAE for four days or more must take a PCR test on the fourth day of entry, and take another PCR test on the eighth day if they will stay for eight days or more.

The validity of the PCR test result has been extended for 14 days for vaccinated and non-vaccinated educational staff, students and parents of students who pick them up from educational institutions.

“Other procedures related to supply chains will remain in place,” the two entities said.

ALSO READ: UAE firms urged to invest in technology in digital era

“These measures are in line with the current health situation and to facilitate the travel of citizens and visitors of neighbouring countries to the UAE.

“The two authorities stress the importance of the arrivals’ commitment to applying all preventive and precautionary measures, such as wearing masks, maintaining social distance and sterilising luggage. It is also advised to avoid travel for those with chronic diseases or those who feel COVID-19 symptoms.”

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-Top News Dubai Travel & Tourism

Dubai merges tourism, economy entities to boost growth

Sheikh Mohammed also issued a decision appointing Helal Al Marri as Director General of the newly formed Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism…reports Asian Lite News

The government of Dubai has announced another major initiative to accelerate industrial activities and promote foreign trade and tourism by merging its two key entities – merge Dubai Economy and Dubai Tourism.

Shiekh Mohammed –

In his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has issued a decision to merge Dubai Economy and Dubai Tourism into one entity under the name ‘Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism’.

Sheikh Mohammed also issued a decision appointing Helal Al Marri as Director General of the newly formed Department.

The move is part of a plan approved by Dubai Ruler that seeks to develop government work in Dubai and enhance its efficiency and resilience in order to keep pace with rapid changes, while ensuring the competitiveness of the business and tourism sectors in Dubai.

Sheikh Mohammed said: “The newly formed Department seeks to support the economic and tourism transformations taking place in the emirate. It will adopt the same competitiveness and efficiency of the private sector and work together with it on various development projects.”

“Dubai’s economy has witnessed different phases of development throughout its history, which has helped shape the city’s current status as a model for economic development and a preferred destination for tourism. Today, our ambitions have grown bigger and our priorities have changed. Raising our global competitiveness requires new ways of thinking,” he added.

Dubai

Seven targets

The Department is tasked with meeting seven targets to further strengthen Dubai’s leading position in tourism and economy and make it the world’s best city to live in and work, His Highness said. These include increasing the added value of the industrial sector by 150% in the next five years, expanding export markets for local products by 50% and increasing the number of tourists coming to Dubai by 40% to 25 million visitors by 2025.

The newly launched entity is also tasked with making Dubai one of the top five global cities in the main economic indicators, attracting 100,000 companies in three years as well as 400 global economic events annually by 2025. The new entity is also tasked with encouraging private and family-owned businesses to get listed on Dubai bourse.

“Our message to the Department’s team is that Dubai today is different than yesterday. The future of Dubai will depend on your performance, ideas and efforts,” Sheikh Mohammed added.

The Department of Economy and Tourism will also work to promote Dubai’s competitiveness in attracting foreign investments, increase exports, support SMEs, and develop new plans for Dubai’s new economic sectors.

The new structure will support decision makers in developing policies and assessing the strategic performance of the economic sector. The ultimate goal of the restructuring is to achieve the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid to create a government model that is flexible, efficient and rapid in taking decisions. The new structure will also help facilitate and reduce procedures related to the issuance of trade and tourism licenses to further promote Dubai’s competitiveness, and achieve the optimum usage of the human and financial capital.\

Meanwhile, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, said the new department’s goals will also soon be identified to increase the added value of the industrial sector, expand foreign trade and reach 25 million tourists in 2025.

Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, also complemented the move and said it will enhance competitiveness of the emirate.

“During the previous period, the two departments played a pivotal role in consolidating Dubai as an economic and tourist capital. The next stage requires a high competitiveness of the Emirate, which requires complete harmony between the two sectors,” Sheikh Maktoum tweeted.

ALSO READ: Dubai’s Infra Projects Saved Dh220 Bn: RTA

The new department will attract 400 global economic events annually by 2025, and encourage private sector companies and family businesses to list them in Dubai’s financial markets and stock exchanges, according to Dubai Media Office.

The main objectives of the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai include making Dubai one of the top five cities in the main economic indicators, attracting 100,000 companies inthree years, promoting an increase in the added value of the industrial sector by 150 per cent in five years, and expanding foreign export markets for local products by 50 per cent, the Khaleej Times reportred.

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Arab News Travel & Tourism UAE News

Expat retirement visas could boost tourism at GCC

Expat retirement visas could boost tourism at GCC

Visiting family & friends of retirees will help to smooth peaks and troughs of high and low demand travel periods…reports Asian Lite News

Providing expatriate workers, who qualify, with residence visas to stay beyond their working lives and the introductions of a series of other new visa options will be key for tourism and give a boost to attractions, activities and entertainment venues. This will be one of the topics addressed at Arabian Travel Market (ATM), 2022, which takes place on 8-11 May.

danielle-curtis-exhibition-director-me-atm-2

ARIVAL Dubai @ ATM, advances the creation of in-destination experiences by providing insights and a community for creators and sellers of tours, activities and attractions. It examines current and future trends and focuses on growing business through marketing, technology, distribution, thought leadership, and executive level connections.

It is estimated that there are currently over 35 million expatriate workers in the GCC countries and there could be a sizeable proportion of the white-collar community, that might want to retire in the GCC, even if it was only for a short period of time.

DANIELLE CURTIS, EXHIBITION DIRECTOR ME, ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET: “With the means and time on their hands, it would be natural, not only for these retirees to travel, but also to receive family and friends. Airlines, hotels, destinations and other entertainment venues, all benefit from this additional revenue stream which ordinarily might have been lost, had the retirees returned to their home countries. In addition, it is hardly a coincidence that two of Dubai’s top feeder markets in 2019, India with two million visitors and the UK, with 1.2 million visitors have communities in the UAE, of 2.6 million and 120,000 respectively.”

Spotting this potential, Dubai Tourism in collaboration with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA-Dubai), has already launched an initiative called ‘Retire in Dubai’, the first of its kind in the region, a practical framework with certain minimum financial requirements, whereby residents of Dubai who are approaching retirement age, can apply for a renewable, five-year retirement visa.

“If this initiative is a success, it is more than likely that other GCC nations will follow at some point. Retired expatriates would undoubtedly contribute significantly to the tourism sector, receiving family and friends and continuing to enjoy a quality lifestyle that they have become accustomed to,” added Curtis.

Worth $254 billion globally in 2019, the tours, activities, and attractions segment of travel and tourism is not just the third-largest part of travel; it is why many people travel in the first place. Providing just such a catalyst would be events and attractions, such as Expo 2020, FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, Ain Dubai, as well as the upcoming tourism attractions in Saudi Arabia and the natural beauty of Oman.   

Now in its 29th year and working in collaboration with the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), the event, show highlights in 2022 will include, among others, destination summits focused on key source markets Saudi, Russia, China and India.

ALSO READ: UAE endorses Leaders’ Pledge for Nature at COP26

Travel Forward, the leading global event for travel technology which puts a spotlight on the latest, next generation technology for travel and hospitality, ATM buyer forums and speed networking events.

ATM 2022 will also host dedicated conference summits on the Global Stage, covering aviation, hotels, sports tourism, retail tourism and a special hospitality investment seminar. The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the world’s premier business travel and meetings trade organisation, will once again be participating at ATM. The GBTA will deliver the latest business travel content, research and education to drive the recovery and support growth in business travel. And in collaboration with ‘Arival the in-destination voice’, ATM will run a half day conference on 8th May or Day 1 of ATM.

ATM will play an integral role in Arabian Travel Week, a festival of events dedicated to travel professionals from all over world, to collaborate and shape the recovery of the Middle East travel industry, through exhibitions, conferences, breakfast briefings, awards, product launches and networking events.

Following 2021, ATM Virtual will once again take place within Arabian Travel Week to complement the live ATM show. With an extensive, high-level programme of webinars and a full schedule of video meetings available to exhibitors with key buyers around the world.

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News Travel & Tourism World

At least 230 poachers arrested in Tanzania’s largest national park

At least 230 poachers arrested in Tanzania's largest national park

At least 230 poachers and illegal fishermen were arrested in Tanzania’s Ruaha National Park, the largest national park in the country covering 20,226 sq.kim, in 2020/2021…reports Asian Lite News

Jackson Laizer, a conservation officer for tourism and security unit of the Ruaha National Park, said most of the arrested suspects were engaged in poaching, illegal fishing and encroachment to the park, reports Xinhua news agency.

Laizer said the poachers and illegal fishers were arrested during the period under review following beefed-up anti-poaching activities that were fully supported by the government.

At least 230 poachers arrested in Tanzania’s largest national park

“Poaching of elephants has now been controlled but we are facing poaching for game meat and encroachment of livestock keepers who seek pasture for their cattle,” said Laizer.

Ruaha National Park offers excellent wildlife viewing, and is particularly good for spotting predators, including very large prides of lion and the endangered wild dog.

ALSO READ: A sanctuary of conservation and co-existence

Elephants and a big variety of antelope species are another big draw to the park.

Tanzania has 22 national parks, including Serengeti National Park, a World Heritage Site.

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Travel Travel & Tourism World

Tourism resumes in Istanbul

Tourism resumes in Istanbul

Tourism in Turkey’s largest city of Istanbul has gradually resumed, thanks to the progress in its vaccination drive against Covid-19…reports Asian Lite News

Istanbul has attracted 5.8 million foreign tourists in the first nine months in 2021, reports Xinhua news agenc citing the local Hurriyet daily as saying.

The number of foreign tourists has steadily increased since March compared to the same period of the previous year, the daily added.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry revealed that 72.4 per cent of citizens aged 18 and above in Istanbul have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

“The high vaccination rate in Istanbul gives confidence to tourists,” Nalan Yesilyurt, board member of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies, told Xinhua.

ALSO READ: SL approves five new airlines to revive tourism

“It is good to see foreigners coming back to Istanbul,” Yesilyurt added.

Istanbul is the most visited in Turkey for its Byzantine and Ottoman-era monuments, like ancient bazaars, mansions, and palaces, as well as hosting the Bosphorus Strait, which divides the European and Asian continents, the Istanbul Directorate of Culture and Tourism said.

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Arab News Travel Travel & Tourism

Wego, heritage ministry partners to promote Oman to GCC region

https://www.instagram.com/p/CVxE-yjoGyf/

Over 550,000 searches were performed on Wego’s platform from GCC to Oman in Q3 2021…reports Asian Lite News

Wego, the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and Oman Ministry of Heritage and Tourism have signed an agreement to promote Oman tourism attraction sites in the GCC region.

Al Wusta – Artisans in Al Wusta, Oman

Oman has opened its borders to visitors from the GCC and it recently announced that it is open for travel for COVID-19 vaccine holders from 1 September 2021. The Sultanate has eased its travel restrictions, lifting flight prohibition for people travelling from previously banned countries. It is implementing precautionary measures and following through with the vaccination drive across the country, ensuring safe travel for everyone.

All travelers to Oman should present a vaccine certificate containing a QR code that states they have received two doses of a vaccine that is approved in Oman(Pfizer BioNTech, Oxford Astrazeneca, Covishield AstraZeneca, Sputnik, Sinovac, Moderna, and Sinopharm, or a single dose of Johnson & Johnson). The last dose of the vaccine needs to have been received not less than 14 days before the arrival date. Travelers should have done Pre-registration via (https://covid19.emushrif.om ) and upload the vaccine certificate as well as the COVID-19 PCR certificate, both containing QR Codes

ALSO READ: Oman resume to GCC and western tourists

Over 550,000 searches were performed on Wego’s platform in Q3 2021 from the GCC to Oman. Out of these searches, 34% from KSA, 27% from UAE, 16% from Kuwait, 14% from Qatar, and 10% from Bahrain.

HAITHAM BIN MOHAMMED AL GHASSANI, DIRECTOR GENERAL OF TOURISM PROMOTION, MINISTRY OF HERITAGE AND TOURISM, SULTANATE OF OMAN: “We are glad to partner with Wego. Oman has always been at the forefront of tourism, and this partnership reflects our commitment to continue the positive momentum in months to come. We are confident that this association will help us to promote Oman tourism among the GCC countries, as well as attract more foreign investment to Oman.”

Mamoun Hmedan, Managing Director, MENA and India, said: “We are seeing an increase in the number of searches from the GCC to Oman following the flight resumptions. We are glad to partner with the Oman Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for the second time to promote this beautiful gem. Its proximity, ancient culture, green mountains and wadis make it the best escape during the summer period for GCC travelers.”

Castle Al Dakheleyah – Jabreen Castle

Through this partnership, Wego and Oman aim to drive the conversation around Oman across all the marketing channels and social media platforms and increase visitor footfall to the country.

Oman overlooks the Arabian Sea, the Sea of Oman, and the Arabian Gulf. It is a land of heritage and natural beauty with mountains and greenery everywhere. It is the best escape for your summer vacation, with the nice moderate weather and wide array of activities for everyone to enjoy.

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-Top News Asia News Travel & Tourism

Sri Lanka Ready to Welcome Travellers

All cultural and recreational sites in Sri Lanka are now open and tourists can access any part of the country with ease … A special report by Asian Lite News

An emerald isle perched in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean which has entranced explorers, adventurers and merchants over thousands of years is now fully open and ready to welcome travellers from around the world.

The Conde Nast 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards last month ranked the island among ‘The Best Countries to Travel to’ right now – reflecting the eagerness of tourists to flock to the island.

All cultural and recreational sites in Sri Lanka are now open and tourists can access any part of the country with ease. As a result of a steady decline in COVID-19 infections in Sri Lanka due to the efficient vaccine drive carried out where 68% of Sri Lanka’s 21.9 million total population are fully vaccinated, the Robert Koch Institute has removed Sri Lanka from its list of high-risk countries, thus paving the way for tourists to holiday in the island with the upcoming winter season being the ideal time to visit the island destination.

With no minimum duration of stay, travellers can apply for tourist visa online at www.eta.gov.lk. Tourists who have completed 14 days after the recommended doses of COVID-19 vaccination and arrive in Sri Lanka with a negative COVID-19 PCR Report within 72 hours of embarkation will be considered as fully vaccinated. Any vaccination type is accepted by Sri Lankan authorities. Moreover, fully vaccinated travellers are exempted from obtaining the mandatory COVID-19 Local Insurance cover. However, travellers should ensure that they have a comprehensive travel insurance that will cover health and other expenses related to COVID-19.  

Fully vaccinated travellers if accompanied by not-vaccinated/not-fully vaccinated children of 12-18 years, pay for on-arrival PCR test at USD 40 per test. Travelers can pay for PCR test at the Ministry of Health approved laboratory established at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) or any other MOH approved laboratory.

Also, travellers can visit www.visitsrilanka.gov.lk to pay in advance. Unvaccinated children below the age of 12 are allowed entry into the country with no PCR test on arrival. Travellers who have not received COVID-19 vaccination, nor completed the recommended doses of vaccination (not-fully vaccinated) and/or departed from abroad within less than 2 weeks of completion of recommended doses of vaccination will be considered as not-vaccinated or not-fully-vaccinated travellers will also be permitted to travel in Sri Lanka within the safety of the Tourism Bio Bubble.

Mr Prasanna Ranatunga, Tourism Minister, Sri Lanka

COVID-19 recovered travellers who are vaccinated, but not yet completed 2 weeks from the recommended doses of vaccination (not-fully vaccinated) can also visit under the safety of the Tourism Bio-Bubble and will be entitled for a shorter, flexible bio-bubble period at “Safe & Secure Certified L1’’ hotel/s.  More information on the protocol to be followed by the two traveller segments can be found on helloagain (srilanka.travel)

Despite its compact size, Sri Lanka boasts of one of the highest rates of biological endemism in the world – whether in plants or animals – and is included among the top five biodiversity hotspots in the world. Teeming with wildlife parks and the surrounding ocean being home to large families of cetaceans including the mighty blue whales, sperm whales and playful dolphins – the island is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers. Sri Lanka has one of the richest diversity of amphibians in the world, containing over 106 species of amphibians of over 90 of which are endemic – offering the highest amphibian species density in the world with a high concentration in the Sinharaja rainforest. The destination understands the importance of protecting the natural resources the Island has been blessed with and Sri Lanka Tourism has implemental many initiatives in line with its goal of developing Sri Lanka as a sustainable destination.

The endless expanse of beaches and miles and miles of coastline attract many tourists to bask under its tropical sun. Other than taking a dip in the oceans or snorkelling, scuba diving and surfing are the most popular beach sports in the country. Today, the oceans filled with coral gardens, multitude of exotic fish and ancient wrecks offer one of the best diving experiences in the world.

The sea around Sri Lanka is also one of the most challenging marine game fishing locations while white water rafting, kayaking and canoeing are some of the relatively new water sports practiced in the country. With a multitude of roads winding through expanding mountains, lush green forests, paddy fields, parks and sleepy villages, Sri Lanka also offers many opportunities to keen hikers and trekkers.

Recognised as one of the World’s Top Wellness Destinations in 2021 by the Global Wellness Institute, Sri Lanka is the perfect wellness destination getaway.  With its Ayurveda and yoga traditions, rich heritage and culture, authentic and distinctive cuisine, warm and hospitable people, abundant flora and fauna and a multitude of water-based activities the island is ideally positioned to welcome the wellness seeker.

Ms. Kimarli Fernando, Chairperson, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB)

 It is evident that wellness has evolved beyond yoga retreats and spa treatments, wellness now is anything that brings balance to ones being, be it a walk through a forest, swimming with giant turtles, plucking your own tea or learning to make authentic local cuisine. Wellness is now considered largely experiential, and the Sri Lankan Tourism product is positioned perfectly to curate authentic wellness experiences with the ability to differentiate the offering from regional rivals.

Highlighted by CNN , BBC and Forbes for as a destination not to be missed, Post Covid travellers looking for places to explore and re-connect with themselves and nature would find Sri Lanka ideal. Blessed with abundant flora and fauna, wildlife, serene beaches, friendly people, amazing food and authentic experiences will offer everything and more to the traveller seeking peace and a sense of freedom. The Island has emerged as a destination where travellers have a desire to look beyond the superficial elements and explore more the authentic experience-driven route. The Island is open and eager to welcome back visitors and the easing of entry protocols makes it the perfect escape. The Island is an experiential treasure trove, waiting to be re-discovered.

READ MORE: Another boost for Lankan tourism

READ MORE: Lanka beefs up efforts to revive tourism

  • Mr Prasanna Ranatunga, Tourism Minister, Sri Lanka
  • Ms. Kimarli Fernando, Chairperson, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB)

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Maldives records highest tourist arrivals in Oct

The Emerald Collection expands with new Maldives resort

According to the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), the country will this year cross the mark of a million tourist arrivals by the end of October…reports Asian Lite News.

Over 100,000 tourists have visited the Maldives in the month of October, the state-owned PSM News citing data from the Ministry of Tourism said on Tuesday.

Ministry data showed that 102,434 tourists visited the Maldives from October 1 to 24, a 599 per cent increase from the same period in 2020 but a 2 per cent decrease compared to 2019, reports Xinhua news agency.

The Maldives has recorded a total of 973,269 tourist arrivals so far this year, or a daily average of 4,454.

According to the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), the country will this year cross the mark of a million tourist arrivals by the end of October.

India and Russia were the biggest sources of tourist arrivals for the Maldives, accounting for 23 per cent and 19 per cent of all arrivals, respectively.

They were followed by visitors from France, Kazakhstan, Spain, Ukraine, the UK and the US.

The country’s borders had been fully closed for three months last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic before they were reopened in July 2020.

The borders were closed for South Asian tourists due to a surge of Covid-19 cases in May 2021, but were reopened on July 15.

Tourism is the largest economic industry in the Maldives, as it plays an important role in earning foreign exchange revenues and employing thousands of citizens.

ALSO READ-OPEC Fund extends $10mn loan to Bank of Maldives

READ MORE-Cabinet approves MoU between India, Maldives

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-Top News Sri Lanka Travel & Tourism

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