LIKE many Australian operators providing agents with Sri Lanka product, destination specialist Beyond Travel, have praised the recent DFAT downgrading of its travel advice to Sri Lanka. This announcement is hugely positive and reflects the industry’s confidence and commitment to the destination, said GM for marketing Bryce Crampton.
“For a country that was going through such a boom, after years of instability, it is such a shame to see the knock-on effects that the Easter attacks are having on the tourism industry and the local people of Sri Lanka.
“We are grateful for the support the trade have shown in its commitment to the destination as bookings are slowly starting to come in for later this year, which we believe will only increase with the change in travel warning from the Australian government.
During this extreme downturn in tourism, Beyond Travel have committed to supporting suppliers with thousands of dollars in assistance payments which have been given to front line tourism staff, such as drivers and guides, to help them through the current financial hard ships.
Mr Crampton said these contributions are essential to a variety of local ground staff in order to survive. The payments are in-lieu of the current loss of business and will hopefully make a real difference to the lives of those solely reliant on the tourism industry.
He added, “In-bound tourism is down 80% and the effect on the locals is absolutely devastating, from the famers who supply eggs to the hotels and the flower growers who make the garlands, through to restaurant staff, guides and drivers; all have been severely impacted”.
The company has strong ties to the local community since it began operations there in 2016, it recently donated a substantial amount to the local Mo I Gampanjguwa Junior School in Wellawaya located in the hill country area near Ella. Isolated from big cities these schools often lack funding and Beyond Travel’s contributions assisted them in purchasing musical instruments and band uniforms for the children.
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