"Travel corridors", "travel bubbles": these two expressions have become part of everyday vocabulary in many regions, to designate a country-to-country arrangement that allows foreign tourists to return. This is particularly the case in the Asia-Pacific region, where theAustralia, Hong Kong, the New Zealand or even Singapore are already talking about or applying this partial opening of their borders. But the most attractive exception in Asia is called "organic bubble. A concept invented by Sri Lankawhose Covid restrictions are the most flexible in Asia.
What is an "organic bubble" according to the Sri Lankan authorities? " Ne're imposing a quarantine, but it's very similar to a classic holiday for most travellers, as there are very few restrictions on foreign visitors. That's why we call it 'Bio Bubble'. The fact is, an entire hotel establishment becomes a health bubbledescribes Mrs. Kimarli FernandoChairwoman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB).
The country completely closed its borders last May when the pandemic broke out. But with the pandemic now well under control and the importance of tourism to the local economy, the country has realised that it needs to welcome international travellers back to "post-pandemic" normality.
The tourism and travel industry generates 12.6% of national GDP11.2 billion in 2019. It also provides employment for three million people. A windfall that is hard to ignore. Before the pandemic, the country welcomed 2.2 million international tourists, including more than 45% from Europe.
Organic bubbles" or new-found flexibility for travellers
In terms of covid, Sri Lanka had 94,000 positive cases as of 7 April 2021, including 588 deaths since the start of the pandemic. " So far, we've got the epidemic well under controlsays Kimarli Fernando. Sri Lanka has therefore decided to reopening up to international travellers mid-January. This includes the resumption of flights to Colombo airport. This decision was taken following the development of health protocols to make the destination safe for visitors.
Some 230 hotels in the country have undergone a health and hygiene audit.. They have been certified as "safe and secure", receiving the level 1" label. These "level 1" hotels are the only ones authorised to receive international visitors. " Lhe fact that access is not possible for domestic tourists means that all the hotel's services can be offered to travellers without any hindrance. They have access to all the services, such as swimming pools, spas, conference rooms, sports halls and restaurants," explains Kimarli Fernando.
However, international visitors are still subject to a quarantineless restrictive than elsewhere in Asia. It lasts seven days in a level 1 hotel for vaccinated people and 14 days for unvaccinated travellers.. A local insurance for Covid is compulsory at a reasonable cost of 12 US$. The insurance covers all possible costs related to the pandemic up to a maximum of 50,000 dollars.
During your stay, tourists must undergo two PCR tests for just under €70, to be paid before travelling to Sri Lanka. The first test is carried out on arrival at the hotel. The second is carried out five to seven days later, or if symptoms appear. " We also carry out a test earlier if people are staying for less than seven days." says Kimarli Fernando. Once the quarantine is complete, visitors are free to travel throughout the country..
The MICE industry seduced
It's a fact, Flexibility and freedom in Sri Lanka are at the heart of the "organic bubble" concept. The conditions " are making it possible to offer a stay in Sri Lanka comparable to what it might have been before the pandemic. The only restriction is the ban on contact with local communities during the quarantine period. Except for hotel staff, who have now been vaccinated, "says the President of the Tourist Office.
Within this bubble, travellers can move from one hotel to another as long as they are in a level 1 category. The authorities have even drawn up a list of 20 to 30 "safe and certified" attractions to visit. These include excursions to tea plantations, temples and diving. An attractive protocol for MICE travel and conferences who are starting to return to Sri Lanka.
" We have set up a dedicated service on our website which allows us to help you plan and organise your trip. This also enables us to meet more specific requests, such as the privatisation of venues, "adds Kimarli Fernando.
Proof that Sri Lanka is once again attracting MICE travellers, in Next May and November, the country will host two UNESCO conferences. " And if more people around the world are vaccinated, Sri Lanka plans to simplify its health protocols even further, "concludes the chair of the tourism authority.
