Travel companies welcome FCDO advice change for Sri Lanka

The move, which was announced by the FCDO on Friday (26 August) ahead of the lifting of Sri Lanka’s state of emergency on Saturday (27 August), effectively gives the green light for the resumption of tour operator trips to the island.

Sam Clark, founder of Experience Travel Group (ETG), said they were “so pleased” by the FCDO’s change in advice.

“While ETG travellers have visited Sri Lanka safely throughout the crisis, removing this remaining obstacle to travel will give the Sri Lankan economy a much-needed boost and give hope and purpose to the lives of so many Sri Lankans who depend on the tourist sector,” he added.

“We’re so pleased for our friends and colleagues in Sri Lanka and for all of our customers looking forward to trips over the coming months. Sri Lanka is back.”

Hiran Cooray, chairman of Sri Lanka’s Jetwing Hotels, said: “We’ve been waiting anxiously until travel restrictions were removed and we are thankful.

“Sri Lanka has never been so ready to welcome British travellers. All hotels, attractions, transport options - both private and public - are operating normally. In many ways this is indeed the best time to visit Sri Lanka.”

Sri Lanka has been undergoing a political and financial crisis in recent months. The FCDO initially advised against all but essential travel to the country in May. This advice was then relaxed in June, only to be reinstated at the start of July.

The change in the FCDO advice came one day after Tui extended its cancellations for Sri Lanka holidays to all trips departing up to and including 11 September. The operator had previously cancelled all departures in August to the destination.