Tourism industry steps up efforts to quicken recovery to boost forex inflows

• Joint efforts by The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka Inbound Tour Operators Association help garner favourable travel advisories; persist with stakeholder engagement to woo more support

THASL President M. Shanthikumar

In a bid to revive tourism, the main associations The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) and the Sri Lanka Inbound Tour Operators Association (SLAITO) in recent days have been stepping up efforts to ensure a quicker revival and boost much needed foreign exchange inflows.

Tourism has been the worst hit with triple blows since 2019. 

However, undeterred by setbacks, the resilient industry is rallying to start welcoming tourists amidst domestic challenges.

“The country is safe and we must get tourists to come back.  It will help the community, all tourism service providers and most importantly the economy as it will bring the dollars the country needs.  The industry even at this moment has great potential for a return if the decision makers understand how the industry operates, its potential and its value,” said THASL President M. Shanthikumar who is a senior industry specialist.

He said THASL and SLAITO are moving forward with their plan aggressively as the industry feels that it cannot wait any longer as the Government is not moving fast enough. “There is no time to waste,” emphasised Shanthikumar.

He acknowledged that the adverse travel advisories introduced post the incidents on 9 May 2022 brought in huge cancellations. The senior members of THASL and SLAITO met up with heads and senior members of key missions from the EU, Germany, Italy, UK, India, Japan, Netherlands, France, Russia and Australia to request their support to soften/change the strong advisories issued for their citizens not to travel to Sri Lanka.

“We are very appreciative of the time given to us to hear our side of the story and for the positive attitude displayed to industry members,” Shanthikumar added.

The industry also held meetings with the Central Bank Governor, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Tourism Minister Harin Fernando and other members holding senior positions from the Ministry and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) to request an extension of the debt moratorium which ends on 30 June 2022.

“Most stakeholders being from the SME sector are not able to settle any dues as there is no top line revenue for the past several years due to issues which impacted tourist arrivals for no fault of the industry. We understand the gravity of the situation especially for the SME’s once the moratorium ends, therefore we will continue to make this request from the decision makers,” Shanthikumar pointed out.

He said THASL was very appreciative of the response and the proactive role they received from the Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa. “He clearly understood the value behind the industry and its immense contribution to the economy and the community with over 12% of the population dependent on Tourism. 

“THASL is thankful for being very vocal in Parliament with regards to the importance of tourism and for continuing to support the cause of the industry including with donor agencies and foreign missions,” the President said.

Shanthikumar stressed that tourism is a key forex earner in the country and with an ability to come back faster than other industries. It contributes immensely to the development of the community and is an employment generator especially from hotels which are located in different parts of the country. Tourism contribution to GDP is estimated to be over 12%.

Meeting with EU officials

Meeting with Opposition Leader

Meeting with British High Commssioner

Meeting with Foreign Heads of Missions