The former Director of Tourism for the Sri Lankan tourist board in the UK has urged tourists not to cancel trips to the country following last week’s cyclone.
Jean-Marc Flambert, who oversaw the tourist office in the UK from 2004-2008, said: “The key message is: ‘Yes, you can still visit’.
Jean-Marc now runs Secrets of Ceylon Collection, a group of boutique hotels in Sri Lanka, which sells through the trade.
He said: “There has been a lot of flooding to many parts of Sri Lanka, and in the hills there have been landslides that have caused damaged.
“But we have groups arriving in Sri Lanka. Tourists can safely go to 90% of areas classic Sri Lanka. People may only get eight or nine of their tick boxes, but they can still visit.”
In an update on Travel Gossip’s Facebook group yesterday, Jean-Marc said: “Tourism is still continuing as many places are unaffected. A large MICE incentive from France arrives today and the DMC told me last night that they have made changes to the itinerary, but it continues. This brings much needed foreign exchange and income for staff who need to support their families.
“There are some areas still flooded and water levels are dropping. They are not visible all over the standard tourism circuit.”
Jean-Marc said the Sigirya region is open and many areas are back up and running in Kandy, although some roads remain closed. The town of Nuwara Eliya is ‘fine’, but ‘access is a challenge’, although it ‘should be sorted within a few days’. He added that river levels on the south west coast are high but dropping.
“Those arriving on holiday this week may have a few amendments to their itinerary, but it is still worth the visit. The best way to help the people is to book a holiday to Sri Lanka.”
The UK Foreign Office updated its advice on 1 December to advise people to check with their airline and tour operator before travelling.
The FCDO said: “Cyclone Ditwah hit Sri Lanka on 28 November, and has caused flooding and landslides throughout much of Sri Lanka, resulting in the loss of life. As a result, travel in many areas has been disrupted. Check before travelling, including with your airline and/or tour operator, to understand how this might affect your travels.
“Sri Lanka Tourism has a 24-hour hotline available on 1912.”
