Cyclone Ditwah Strikes Sri Lanka: Tourism Sector Faces Major Setback Amid Recovery Efforts
The devastating passage of Cyclone Ditwah has cast a dark shadow over Sri Lanka, striking just as the island nation was entering its crucial peak tourism season. The powerful storm, which ripped through the country last week, has claimed the lives of nearly 500 people and left a trail of destruction, severely impacting local communities and threatening the nascent recovery of the vital tourism industry.
For individuals like Herath Gedara Rohan Anil Kumara, whose three-bedroom homestay in the picturesque Kandy hill country typically thrives from November to January, the cyclone has brought financial ruin. His property, once a source of income supporting his family with over $30 a night, now lies damaged. Forced to cancel all bookings for December and January, Kumara, 37, finds himself and his family of six in a relief centre, grappling with uncertainty about when he can rebuild and resume his livelihood. His plight highlights the acute vulnerability of the small-scale operators who form the very backbone of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector.
A Setback for Economic Recovery
Tourism, which ranks as Sri Lanka's third-largest foreign exchange earner after remittances and apparel, contributing 4% to its GDP, has been instrumental in the country's bounce-back from a debilitating economic crisis that peaked in 2022. The extensive damage wrought by Cyclone Ditwah – affecting nearly 10% of the 22 million population, destroying thousands of homes, and leaving hundreds still missing – represents a significant setback. Beyond residential areas, the cyclone also crippled essential infrastructure, including roads, power lines, and telecom networks, while inflicting substantial losses on the agricultural sector.
Despite the widespread devastation, there's a glimmer of optimism within the tourism industry. Asoka Hettigoda, president of the Hotels Association of Sri Lanka, expressed hope for a swift recovery, noting that cancellations across the island have remained remarkably low, at approximately 1%. "Hotels across the island are operational," Hettigoda affirmed, adding that even in some of the worst-affected regions like Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, tourists are reportedly safe and enjoying their stays, albeit facing challenges due to blocked roads.
The government's proactive measures also aim to mitigate the impact. Authorities have swiftly airlifted stranded tourists, waived fees for overstaying visas, and facilitated free flight rescheduling. The industry is further advocating for an expanded visa-free program and deploying social media campaigns to reassure international travellers. Tour guides have also adapted by rerouting itineraries to bypass the most severely hit areas.
Resilience Amidst Adversity
The spirit of adventure among some tourists remains undeterred. Estelle Burgess, a 71-year-old Australian visitor, exemplifies this resilience. Arriving shortly before the cyclone, she plans to extend her stay for another six days, viewing the event as just another chapter in her Sri Lankan journey. Outside Kandy's iconic Temple of the Tooth, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Burgess remarked, "We’re hoping the weather improves so we can enjoy the beach." Her broader sentiment encapsulates the unpredictable charm of the destination: "Sri Lanka truly is an adventure. You never know what's going to happen next."
As Sri Lanka pushes towards its target of 2.6 million tourist arrivals by year-end – a post-pandemic high driven by visitors from India, Russia, Germany, France, and the UK – the nation faces the monumental task of rebuilding while simultaneously reassuring the world that its enchanting landscapes and warm hospitality remain ready to welcome adventurers, despite nature's recent fury.