Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) yesterday met the Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on the impact of the coronavirus in the tourism industry and what measures needed to manage the crisis. 

At the meeting attended by SLTDA and other Government officials, it was agreed to continue the dialogue on a regular basis to monitor steps being taken to prevent the spread of the virus.  “As more and more countries are being affected daily, the industry has highlighted that communication from Government media is essential to keep travellers and thousands of hotel employees informed of the latest developments, as the Association is very concerned of the exposure and risk levels of their employees,” THASL said. 

Among the issues explained by THASL was the request that the Government keep the industry informed through the Ministry of Tourism of any changes to the current procedures and updates of the situation.

THASL also requested the Prime Minister that all moratoriums granted to the tourism industry by banks and finance companies must be extended until end December 2020.

Another suggestion was that the Government should take all necessary steps to prepare an effective Global Marketing Campaign, and make this available to launch at the first opportune moment.

“The industry stands together with the Government to achieve $10 billion earnings by 2025 and are ready to have regular consultations to achieve this end,” THASL said. 

It expressed appreciation of the encouraging responses of the Government, and the useful initiatives taken to mitigate an anticipated and challenging situation.

“Further measures, as and when required, will be considered in a spirit of close collaboration between Government and industry, for assisting the hotel sector to tide over this predicament and to bounce back with renewed vigour,” THASL said.

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