The Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) yesterday in a statement urged the political leadership to take decisive action to ensure stability thereby helping the crucial tourism industry to survive.

“Tourism is the most practical pathway to generate much needed foreign currency in the short to medium term. In order to achieve the full revival of this industry, we urge the leadership of our country to take decisive action, in order to create a positive environment that will help to rebuild the tourism industry. It is only by ensuring and providing a secure and stable environment for tourists that we can rebuild this industry to expected levels,” SLAITO said.

“We urge the government to ensure the democratic rights of the people and also it is the responsibility of all citizens not to inconvenience tourists who visit our country. Save Sri Lanka Tourism,” SLAITO statement added.

The membership of the SLAITO is responsible for around 70% of tourist arrivals to the country (E&Y Report 2020). The foreign exchange generated by the SLAITO membership is remitted through official banking channels, ensuring that the much needed foreign exchange comes directly into the government coffers.

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