The UK's biggest tour operator has cancelled more trips to a popular long-haul destination after the UK Foreign Office restored advice against all-but-essential travel. TUI has extended holiday cancellations to Sri Lanka until at least July 18 following warnings of a "severe economic crisis" affecting the nation.
TUI initially stopped operating trips to Sri Lanka in May before extending the ban through June. The latest move follows reports of civil unrest and continuing political and economic instability affecting the country.
The tour operator said in a statement: “As a result, we’ve unfortunately had to cancel all holidays to Sri Lanka departing up to and including July 18, 2022. We will be proactively contacting all impacted customers in departure date order to discuss their options.
“Please note this advice does not apply to customers transiting through Sri Lanka’s international airport and customers currently in resort can continue to enjoy their holiday as planned. We will continue to monitor the situation and update customers should there be any further updates.”
The UK Foreign Office advised against travel to the Indian Ocean destination in May, but relaxed its rules last month. But the situation has deteriorated owing to “violent unrest” and widespread shortages of basic necessities.
Its website states: “Sri Lanka is experiencing a severe economic crisis which has led to shortages of basic necessities including medicines, cooking gas, fuel and food. There is also a major shortage or diesel and petrol affecting transport, businesses and emergency services. There are daily power cuts due to electricity rationing. This has led to protests and violent unrest.
“Further protests, demonstrations, roadblocks and violent unrest could occur at short notice.”
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