February 2020 arrivals to Sri Lanka down 17.7% over same month last year
Largely influenced by the sharp drop in visitors from China due to the spread of the COVID – 19 virus, a total 207,507 tourists visited the country in February this year. Top 3 sources of arrivals by country, were India, the UK and Russia and cumulative arrivals in the first two months of 2020 were down 12% to 435,941.
With permission to disembark denied for those who arrive in Sri Lanka on passenger ships, with effect from 3rd March 2020, the potential loss of tourist arrivals by sea for March could run into several thousands, considering that 16,367 tourists came by sea in February 2020, and, a total 21 cruise ships had been scheduled for March.
Globally, Over 200,000 flights have now been cancelled or removed in advance from schedules to, from and within China due to COVID-19. To put this in perspective, available data reveals that the number of flights actually flown to, from and within China is down 80% against 2019 when compared to the schedule that was originally in place for February 2020.
The coronavirus could potentially cost the global travel industry US$559.7 billion annually, or 37% of the industry’s total 2020 forecasted global spend, according to a lightning poll conducted by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA).
Based on responses from its worldwide membership, the coronavirus is also having a significant impact on business meetings and events. Nearly two-thirds (65%) of GBTA companies report they have canceled at least a “few” meetings or events. Nearly one-fifth of respondents (18%) report canceled “many” events, and one-fourth (25%) have canceled “some” meetings / events.
After Germany’s Federal Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Economics expressed concerns about holding ‘ITB 2020’, organizers of the mega tourism fair cancelled this year’s event - the first time this has happened in 54 years. Questex postponed the International Hospitality Investment Forum (IHIF) - the world’s largest and most influential hospitality investment event moving it from the 2-4 March 2020 dates to 4-6 May.
Japan is keeping a close eye on the situation because of the upcoming Olympics and there are talks that the event may be postponed, given that there are more reported cases in Japan.
The COVID-19 virus has virtually affected tourism in almost every country, especially in countries where the Chinese travelled in large numbers. For instance, Britain, which had nearly 500,000 Chinese visitors who spent an average UKP 2,000 each last year, the economic ramifications would not only be felt by the hotels and restaurants – it would impact the retail shops and other businesses that benefited from tourism.
As the virus confines the Chinese to stay at home and with travelers from other nationalities fearing to travel, the industry will need to brace itself and be prepared for a severe downturn in business in the months ahead.
Report by in2ition. |
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