New Tourism Act will spell disaster, warns Tourism Advisory chief

• Efforts to introduce new act fast-tracked
• Asserts legislation should not be changed to suit any individual
• Private sector uncertain if concerns shared are taken on board

By Shabiya Ali Ahlam

Though the efforts to replace the current Tourism Act with a new one had picked up pace in recent months, the private sector stakeholders have continued to raise the red flag against the move, as it will remove the private sector tourism industry stakeholders from the decision-making process. 
Mirror Business learns that the efforts have been fast-tracked by the relevant authorities, so that the new act can be enacted at the earliest.
When questioned on the impact of the move on the private sector stakeholders and tourism industry as a whole, Sri Lanka Tourism Advisory Committee (SLTAC) President Hiran Cooray said that for the betterment of the industry, which is critical at the current juncture, the change should not come though. 

“I sincerely hope these changes will not take place. There is no way it should happen,” Cooray told Mirror Business.
The private sector had several consultations and was given an opportunity to respond to the proposed change. During such meetings, the sentiments of the industry were shared with the relevant authorities but it is uncertain if any of the suggestions made were taken on board.
“Have our concerns been taken into consideration? We do not know. But our wishes at this point in time are that the (current) act should not change to suit individuals,” asserted Cooray.
While pointing out that the anomalies in the current act should be discussed and deliberated, he said the particular proposal to merge the existing tourism institutions and not allow private sector representation at their boards is unique.
“This should not be rushed. It will spell disaster if it were rushed and implemented,” asserted Cooray.
The proposal to amend the Tourism Act, enacted in 2005, was made in Budget 2021. The proposal came as a shock to the private sector stakeholders, as they had no clue that the tourism authorities were planning such a move.