Industry moots 17-point ‘Revival for Survival’ tourism action plan

Leading tourism industry associations yesterday put forwarded a 17-point ‘Revival for Survival’ to overcome the multiple crises.

Members of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO)-led One Industry One Voice initiative in tourism together with The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) yesterday proposed the plan at a meeting held with Tourism Minister Harin Fernando.

During the meeting it was agreed to immediately rollout a marketing campaign in risk averse markets such as India, Middle East, Russia and CIS countries. 

In addition, three road shows were also planned for June in India, as an immediate promotion. 

The extension of financial moratoriums to the tourism industry, was also discussed at length, which was at Rs. 300 billion in 2020 has now risen to a staggering Rs. 500 billion at present.

It was highlighted to Minister Fernando that there are over 300,000 people directly engaged in the tourism industry, while over 200,000 are indirectly employed and nearly three million dependents. 

Given the multiple and consecutive setbacks the industry has faced post-Easter Sunday attacks in 2019, around 40% of the employees have moved out of the industry with the uncertainties they have endured to provide for their families.

The industry also discussed with the minister on issues related to supply of fuel and gas, as well as aviation operations.

It was reported that the national carrier is also refilling jet fuel from Chennai, Singapore and Dubai, while the SriLankan Airlines has continued to remain unresponsive to inquiries made by the Daily FT.

Separately, the Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminal Ltd. (CPSTL) this week said that it could only provide the usual 1,200 tons of jet fuel to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) after 10 June, adding that it is currently supplying 600 tons.