Tourism after Corona: Impacts of Covid 19 Pandemic and Way Forward for Tourism, Hotel and Mice Industry in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The global pandemic of novel Corona has not only brought entire socio-economic structures in to a standstill but has challenged the globalization and global operations of enterprises. Paradoxically, potential repercussions and alternative way outs are yet volatile. However, for a speedy recovery and regain of the economy, employment and business functions a sustainable and fresh beginning is necessary in most of the worsened economic sectors. Conventionally, an infection used to attack the vulnerable groups with food, health care insecurity in their lifestyle and they normally used to be the poor of the society. Ironically, novel Corona infection first attacked the international travellers and the pandemic was caused through the travel and thus has confronted mainly the affluent social class globally. Since, tourism is one of the largest and fastest growing industries globally; it is expected to play a significant role in regaining the socio-economic stability after Covid 19 pandemic. It is a key contributor to the Island economies and one of the most important industries that generates much needed foreign currency in Sri Lankan economy. Long suffered tourism industry of the Island was last hit tough by the Easter bomb blasts took place at several places including luxury hotels in the country. Tourism is at halt in the country with the threat of finding the first Sri Lankan national tested positive for COVID-19 who was a local patient on 10th March, 2020.