The Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) announced the launch of a helpline for its members, an avenue established to allow those in the industry to reach out for assistance to steer through the recurring challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

SLAITO said that the helpline allows its members to reach out to partners of the One Industry One Voice partners as well.

“The aim is to provide assistance with the challenges faced by the membership to keep their businesses afloat,” said SLAITO in a statement to the media.

A total of seven contact points have been set up where impacted individuals and businesses in the hard hit tourism sector. Coming on board to assist peers within the sector is: Walkers Tours, Columbus Tours, Tour Blue, Golden Isle, Wayfarers, Tangerine, and SLAITO Youth.

In an effort to provide some breathing space, SLAITO is currently lobbying to obtain a credit line for the industry members with a grace period of two years, and an eight-year repayment period.