SLTDA continues to disappoint tourism sector stakeholders

• Industry says no help coming from SLTDA to cope with current situation in country
• Says SLTDA hasn’t sought any consultation from stakeholders on how to limit disruptions to tourists from ongoing situation in country

By Shabiya Ali Ahlam
The tourism industry stakeholders reiterated their disappointment in the leadership of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), as it continues to turn a deaf ear to the pleas for assistance to overcome the ongoing economic challenges.

The Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) and One Industry One Voice (OIOV) yesterday shared that despite having called for support to help the industry operate in a smooth manner, the SLTDA chief has so far not held any discussions with the stakeholders on how the ongoing situation should be addressed.

“The tourism industry, which is undergoing severe hardship, due to the current situation in the country, is disappointed with the chairperson of Sri Lanka Tourism, who to date, has not consulted the stakeholders, who bring in the tourists, on how the situation should be managed,” the two associations said in a joint statement to the media.

With tourist arrivals currently standing at an all-time high, specially from Europe, due to the upcoming Easter Holiday season, the associations added it is imperative that these visitors and the tour operator partners be assured of continuity of the industry to ensure that the holidays would be delivered without any disruption and would operate smoothly.

“Although the chairperson issues many voice cuts on social media that all tourism sites will be open, to our disappointment, Sigiriya was closed yesterday,” the association shared, attempting to highlight the poor coordination efforts from the authority.

The industry stakeholders shared that while they have been given assurance that they would receive uninterrupted fuel supply for vehicles, the SLTDA has failed to keep up with its promises.  The industry stakeholders are left to use their own resources and ingenuity to find ways to make sure its vehicles keep running to cater to the needs of the tourists.  “Sri Lanka tourism has to take the leadership and bring the stakeholders together, to come up with workable solutions. Otherwise, this most important industry, which is supposed to generate the much-needed foreign exchange for the country, will surely collapse,” cautioned the association.