Plans are afoot to bring down at least 2500 Russian tourists a month after the temporary ban on passenger arrivals is lifted, Sri Lanka’s former envoy to Russia Udayanga Weeratunga said.
Weeratunga told Daily Mirror that he intends to bring down the tourists after receiving approval from the health authorities.
Discussions are underway with Russia’s Aeroflot airline and Sri Lankan Airlines to operate at least one flight each per week between Moscow and Colombo. At least 275 passengers will arrive in the country per week under this system, he said.
Pointing out that the Maldives was capable of attracting close to 20,000 Russian tourists per month, he said Sri Lanka should be able to attract at least 2500 tourists.
Weeratunga said the tourists will be brought under a biobubble and will visit selected tourist destinations, including Pasikudah which is reportedly famous among Russian tourists.
Sri Lanka is a preferred holiday destination among the Ukrainians and Russians and discussions were underway to commence flights between the two nations to develop tourism in Sri Lanka, he said.
Sri Lanka’s former envoy to Russia, Udayanga Weeratunga added that however, plans to bring down more Russian tourists to Sri Lanka has been postponed due to the temporary ban on passenger arrivals which is in effect till the 31st of May. (NewsWire)