Due recognition sought by the industry in Sri Lanka's new Tourism Act
The island’s travel and tourism bodies, reuniting under the ‘One Voice’ banner have joined forces to call upon the government to give due recognition when it adopts the proposed new Tourism Act. They have raised their voice because the industry is mainly driven by the private sector – which as a thriving industry, not only provides direct and indirect employment to thousands, but also generates invaluable foreign exchange for the country.
This was when it submitted its proposals, as requested by the government, where the ‘One Voice’ collective agreed to the amalgamation of the two state institutions, namely; Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). This was in contrary to the government’s intention to amalgamate three institutions – the aforesaid two bodies along with the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB). ‘One Voice’, would prefer making certain amendments to the existing Tourism Act of 2005.
‘One Voice’ includes the Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL), The Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO), The Travel agents Association of Sri Lanka (TASSL), The Association of Small and Medium Enterprises in Tourism (ASMET), and the Sri Lanka Association of Professional Conference Exhibitors and Event Organisers (SLAPCEO).
Another proposal from ‘One Voice ‘relates to a ‘Disaster Relief Fund’ to be utilized in the event of any natural or man-made disasters to help the industry meet key financial implications arising from such calamities. The proposal hints at allocating 10 percent of the Tourism Development Levy (TDL) that the government collects as an emergency fund.
Another request made is that both ASMET and SLAPCEO be given recognition, as is currently done for three apex bodies – THASL, SLAITO and TAASL who have representation on the relevant boards. To summarize, they request that THASL and SLAITO be given representation on the SLTDA board, SLAPCEO be represented on the SLTPB board and ASMET be also provided representation on the boards of both SLTPB and SLTDA.
‘One Voice’ speaking on behalf of the hospitality industry agrees that the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management (SLITHM) should operate as a separate entity – being a training school and goes on to suggest that funds collected from the Tourism Development Levy (TDL) be allocated to enable SLITHM run as an independent body.
Hospitality Sri Lanka News
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