A tourist bubble in Sri Lanka refers to a controlled and isolated area where tourists can safely visit and explore without coming into contact with the local population. These bubbles generally have strict health and safety protocols in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
So let’s take a deeper look
A tourist bubble in Sri Lanka refers to a controlled and isolated area where tourists can safely visit and explore without coming into contact with the local population. These bubbles have been implemented as part of Sri Lanka’s efforts to revive its tourism industry while also ensuring the safety of both tourists and local communities amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The concept of tourist bubbles gained popularity globally as a means to restart tourism in a cautious and controlled manner.
One of the key objectives of the tourist bubble is to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by creating a safe environment for tourists within designated areas or properties. These bubbles are established with strict health and safety protocols, including regular testing of both tourists and staff, enhanced sanitation measures, and adherence to social distancing guidelines. Only tourists who have tested negative for the virus are allowed to enter the bubble, minimizing the risk of transmission.
To provide a deeper perspective on tourist bubbles, consider the following quote from the World Health Organization (WHO): “Tourist bubbles can play a crucial role in reopening tourism while minimizing health risks, but they must be carefully planned, executed, and monitored to be effective.”
Interesting Facts about Tourist Bubbles in Sri Lanka:
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Tourist bubbles in Sri Lanka typically encompass specific resort areas or hotels, ensuring that tourists can enjoy their stay without venturing into the general population.
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These bubbles often offer a wide range of amenities and facilities within their premises, including restaurants, pools, entertainment venues, and recreational activities, to provide a comprehensive experience for tourists.
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Some tourist bubbles may arrange guided tours and excursions to nearby attractions or natural sites that are exclusive to bubble visitors, allowing them to explore the country’s beauty while maintaining safety.
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The implementation of tourist bubbles has not only revived the tourism industry in Sri Lanka but also contributed to the economic recovery of the country and the livelihoods of those employed in the sector.
To further illustrate the concept of tourist bubbles in Sri Lanka, here is a simplified table highlighting key aspects:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To revive tourism while ensuring the safety of tourists and local communities |
| Controlled Area | Designated resorts or hotels |
| Health Protocols | Regular testing, enhanced sanitation, and adherence to social distancing guidelines |
| Entry Requirements | Negative COVID-19 test result |
| Benefits | Reopening of tourism, economic recovery, and safeguarding livelihoods |
In conclusion, tourist bubbles in Sri Lanka offer a well-planned and controlled environment for tourists to enjoy their visit while minimizing the risk of COVID-19 transmission. These bubbles, with their comprehensive health protocols, present a safe and responsible approach to reopening the tourism industry. As the World Health Organization emphasizes, careful planning and monitoring are essential to ensure the effectiveness and success of such initiatives.
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A month after the launch of Sri Lanka’s innovative “Bio Bubble” system, Kamali Fernando, Chair of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, highlights the success and benefits of the program. The Bio Bubble involves certifying hotels and ensuring strict protocols are followed by all staff members, allowing tourists to visit up to 20 sites without mingling with the local community. Fernando mentions that the early action in response to COVID-19 and the implementation of a mandatory insurance policy for tourists have resulted in increased flight schedules and bookings from markets like the GCC, Russia, and Germany. She also assures tourists that if they test positive for COVID-19, their medical expenses will be covered, providing a worry-free experience. The vaccination process for tourism industry workers has also begun, with plans to vaccinate all of them in the coming weeks.
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As per the guidelines, here’s how the bio-bubble will work: Sri Lanka will put all visitors into a 14-day bio bubble. They can stay at one of the 52 hotels that have been classified as Level 1 ‘Safe and Secure’ (check the list here) and visit a specific set of tourist attractions (these).
14-day bio bubble
Sri Lanka will put all visitors into a 14-day bio bubble. They can stay at one of the 52 hotels that have been classified as Level 1 ‘Safe and Secure’ (check the list here) and visit a specific set of tourist attractions (these). They can also visit sites that have been designated safe by the authorities, as long as they are escorted by a guide.
According to this concept, the authorities identified a certain group of geographical locations with high tourist attractions within Sri Lanka. Then they set travel schedules to make groups of tourists visit them one after another, without letting them blend with other groups and the citizens of the country.