Tourism industry wants due recognition in new Act
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has raised their voice insisting that due recognition be given to them as a sector mainly run by the private sector in the adoption of a proposed new Tourism Act.
Having reached the deadline for submitting the proposals, the industry as a “One Voice” collective has agreed to the amalgamation of the two key state institutions – Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) – and the inclusion of more private sector persons to join the board of directors in addition to further allocations for the different sectors from the cess collections.
In this respect, the tourism industry has come together as “One Voice” that include the Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL), the Sri Lanka Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO), the Travel Agents Association of Sri Lanka (TAASL), the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises in Tourism (ASMET), and the Sri Lanka Association of Professional Conference, Exhibitions and Event Organisers (SLAPCEO).
In its proposal, “One Voice” has noted that they would prefer to carry out amendments to the existing Tourism Act of 2005 relating to amalgamating the
Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) and the SLTPB. In addition, among the suggestions it was also mentioned that they have agreed to have a disaster relief fund to be used in emergencies like natural or man-made disasters to assist the industry to overcome any key financial issues. In this respect, the private sector has proposed to set aside 10 per cent of their TDL (Tourism Development Levy) allocation for an emergency fund.
Another key aspect is that they be recognised as an industry that is predominantly driven by the private sector.
While the three apex bodies of THASL, SLAITO and TAASL are recognised on the boards the private sector has proposed the recognition of ASMET and SLAPCEO as well.
In this respect, they have requested the THASL and SLAITO to be given representation on the boards of SLTDA and SLTPB; TAASL to be given representation on the SLTDA board; SLAPCEO be given representation on the SLTPB board; and ASMET to also be given representation on the boards of SLTPB and SLTDA.
In addition the industry has agreed that the hotel school be moved out and funded by the TDL allocations and run as an independent body.
“One Voice” has noted that this is because the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism Hotel Management (SLITHM) is a training school and should operate separately.