Responsibility of offering high level of hospitality to tourists lies with SLTDA- Prez

President Rajapaksa during his inspection visit to Sri Lanka Tourism agencies

As the slowly recovering tourism sector is struggling to carry out operations in a smooth manner given the economic challenges faced by the country, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday pointed out it is the responsibility of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) to iron out issues.

Following an inspection visit to the agencies of Sri Lanka Tourism, Rajapaksa said it is the responsibility of the SLTDA to provide tourists an attractive service with a high level of hospitality from the time of arrival to the time of departure to their respective countries.

While pointing out that various forms of planned propaganda are being carried out to destroy the tourism industry, the President said that even in such a context, tourist arrivals remain high.
“Strict attention should be paid to the safety of tourists,” said Rajapaksa in a statement released by the President’s Media Division (PMD).

President also instructed officials to take steps to increase the number of flights to the island nation in consultation with airlines.

After the inspection of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management, and Convention Bureau, the President commended the staff for their commitment to promote the tourism industry.

The government aims to raise US$ 10 billion annually from the tourism industry in future, and attract 1.3 million international visitors by the end of this year.

The President pointed out that all sectors of the tourism industry should be prepared to achieve this target.

He also expressed confidence in the island nation becoming the Asian destination for tourists.