From slashing hotel rates to Russian ads, here is what Sri Lanka is doing to woo tourists after Easter attacks

SUMMARY

Sri Lanka's battered tourism industry is trying to woo visitors back to beaches deserted after deadly Easter bombings, slashing hotel rates and pushing promotions in key markets like Russia.

By ReutersJun 10, 2019 2:09:14 PM IST (Updated)

Sri Lanka's battered tourism industry is trying to woo visitors back to beaches deserted after deadly Easter bombings, slashing hotel rates and pushing promotions in key markets like Russia. REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte/Files

Tourism, which accounts for 5 percent ofSriLanka's gross domestic product, tankedafterIslamist bombers on April 21 attacked luxury hotels and churches, killing 250 people, including 40 foreigners. REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte/Files

England, India and the United States were among countries that issued travel advisories for Sri Lanka, a diverse island with pristine beaches, ancient Buddhist temples, and lush hills that Lonely Planet selected as its top 2019 destination. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui/Files

Those advisories contributed to a flood of cancellations and a drop in bookings just as the monsoon-dominated low season was beginning. REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte/Files

To luretouristsback,SriLankais hosting international sporting events and has mothballed a rule on minimum rates for hotel stays. REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte/Files

State-ownedSriLankan Airlines isoffering special fares and pushing joint promotions with the government's tourism board. Some hotels are waiving corkage fees on day trips, while tour groups areoffering free airport pickups. REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte/Files