The Easter Sunday attacks in Sri Lanka could cause up to $ 1.5 billion in lost revenue for its tourism sector this year, the country's finance minister said on Friday. "Tourism will be (the economic sector) the hardest hit," Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera told a press conference, "we expect a 30% drop in arrivals and that means a loss of about $ 1.5 billion ".
The island of South Asia, prized for its idyllic beaches and lush greenery, had a record year in 2018 with 2.33 million tourists. She hoped to generate $ 5 billion in revenue in 2019, up from 4.4 last year. Kamikazes hit Sunday morning Christian minority churches and luxury hotels, killing 253 people. Based on the precedents of countries affected by attacks - such as France, Belgium, Spain or Tunisia - Mangala Samaraweera estimated that the sector could hope for a return to normal within two years.
Tourists called for caution
"Typically, countries that suffer from isolated attacks of the IS style see their tourism recovering in one to two years, as long as the problems are rooted and the security measures are well communicated. "explained the minister.
From the United Kingdom to Israel to the Netherlands, several nations have called on their nationals to avoid going to Sri Lanka, or to leave the country if they are there. Australia has ruled Friday "likely" that new attacks are committed, while the tracking of suspects in connection with attacks continues. Paris recommends that the French limit their movements in the capital Colombo, as well as to stay away from places of worship and gatherings throughout the island.