Sri Lanka has received the “Safe Travel” stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), which recognizes the Sri Lankan government’s safety protocols and standards. These safety protocols and standards are enforced by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Agency (SLTDA) to ensure the safety of domestic and international travelers.

According to statement from WTTC President & CEO Gloria Guevara, the “Safe Travel” stamp continues to be a great success and WTTC is very happy to see more popular countries and regions adopt its global health and hygiene protocols. Since its issuance, the WTTC Safe Travel stamp has been an amazing success.

This shows the importance of the plan to countries, tourist destinations, vital travelers and millions of people around the world whose livelihoods depend on the travel and tourism. The stamp is a key step in reshaping consumer confidence in travel and tourism, so that travelers can assure that enhanced standards of the hygiene are in place and they can experience “safe travel” again.

The protocols are based on the experience of WTTC members in handling COVID-19 and in accordance with the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

On August 10, the Sri Lanka Tourism said in its media release that the confidence has been established among tourists who see island paradise as their preferred travel destination to travel during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The “safe travel” stamp will also make them aware of properties and businesses that diligently compliance with global health and hygiene aligned with WTTC’s Safe Travel Protocols.

Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson Kimarli Fernando said, “Sri Lanka is now geared to welcome international leisure travelers with all aspects of a traveler’s visit been thoroughly evaluated and necessary safety protocols put in place. Restarting operations of the tourism and hospitality sector for international visitors after the Covid-19 lockdown is a strategic one for the country, and we extend our gratitude to Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts for initiating the process that led to Sri Lanka being stamped safe by WTTC.”

Sri Lanka has joined the ranks of major destination countries including Barcelona, Bulgaria, the Caribbean, Dubai, Indonesia, Jamaica, Madrid, Mauritius, Mexico, Ontario, Portugal, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Seville, Tanzania and Turkey. The country has also counted as stamping security and WTTC verified its agreement to make it consistent with the agreement designed by the global organization.