Sri Lanka's COVID-19 restrictions eased but challengers remain for those in hospitality
Soon after the 30 year war on terrorism ended, Sri Lanka had been enjoying a steady increase in tourism growth during the 2010s.Alas…this new found success came to a grinding halt with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Like all other countries in the world, Sri Lanka has to rebuild a shattered economy that affected all businesses including that of those in the hospitality industry. After an agonizing ‘stop, go…stop’ period of nearly eighteen months interspersed with lockdowns and curfews, there appears to be some hope of recovery.
The government despite getting entangled along the way with certain issues, borne of poor planning and decision-making, has finally worked out a plan, to put in place a health and trading environment, that working in tandem, can effect relief to all. Thereby, holding out the promise of a chance to recover (slowly but steadily), whilst rebuilding traveler confidence.
Done properly, it can bring hospitality to the forefront of this country’s economic recovery at a relatively fast pace.
However, the industry needs to be vigilant and fully aware that the easing of restrictions does not mean easing of hospitality’s challenges! For hospitality to begin a sustainable recovery, it must continue working closely with the government and vice versa. On the side of hospitality, operators have to do the right thing… all the time so that the industry can reach the next stage of recovery without any hiccups.
Non-compliance of any sort can derail progress. Hoteliers and Restaurateurs must not succumb to the temptation of crossing the line by violating guidelines, because demand is high and capacity is low. Failing to do so can de-accelerate all of us getting out of this hole and push us back.
Getting fully vaccinated is a first step. However, it does mean that the 3 W’s; Wear a mask, Watch your distance and Wash hands frequently should be abandoned. The vaccine provides a level of safety so long as one remains careful. Wearing a seatbelt for example, can reduce risk of death or serious injury in a car crash. It however can be still fatal if one drives recklessly. Likewise, people can test positive for COVID-19 even after being fully vaccinated.
The virus is here to stay…and there can come a day in the not so distant future, where some hotels and restaurants may decide to show a “No Vax – No service’ sign to reduce the spread of the virus inside the establishment to prevent sudden business ‘closure’.
Ilzaf Keefahs is a freelance writer who enjoys focusing on hospitality related matters that he is passionate about, and likes to share his views with hoteliers and customers alike. He delves into the heart of hospitality to figure out both customer service and consumer trends that impact the industry.
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