Association Charts Course for Sri Lanka’s Tourism Growth
The Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) recently held its Annual General Meeting at Heritance Ahungalla. Nalin Jayasundera, Managing Director Aitken Spence Travels was elected as the new President, taking over from Nishad Wijetunga, Managing Director, Wayfarers Limited.
With over 180 Destination Management Companies (DMCs) as members, SLAITO continues to serve as the apex body representing the key players in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry. Notably, 90% of these members belong to the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector, and collectively, they are responsible for generating more than 65% of tourist arrivals in the formal tourism sector.
During his inaugural speech as President, Jayasundera emphasized the critical role SLAITO plays in driving the industry forward, contributing over LKR 2 billion annually to promote Sri Lanka globally, alongside the Tourism Development Levy (TDL). He highlighted a study conducted by Ernest & Young that showcased the immense value SLAITO members bring to suppliers, service providers, and government institutions.
“Our association is robust, vibrant, and plays a pivotal role in advancing Sri Lanka’s tourism,” said Jayasundera. “SLAITO is always open to change if it benefits the industry, and we urge the government to engage with key stakeholders in any plans to reform the Tourism Act or introduce new policies.”
Jayasundera expressed his optimism about Sri Lanka’s target of welcoming 4 million tourists and achieving USD 9 billion in revenue by 2030. However, he stressed the urgency of launching a sustained global marketing campaign and completing key infrastructure projects, including the airport expansion and the Colombo-Kandy highway, to help meet these targets. He also called for better regulation of tourism enterprises to ensure a level playing field for all stakeholders and maximize the economic benefits of tourism for the nation.
As the tourism industry is primarily driven by the private sector, SLAITO members play an instrumental role in shaping the future of the industry. Jayasundera noted that, while some predicted the decline of DMCs due to the rise of online service providers, SLAITO is committed to embracing technology, innovation, and high-quality service to remain competitive globally.
On behalf of SLAITO, Jayasundera expressed gratitude to the government for addressing visa-related issues that have been a challenge for the industry. He also extended his thanks to his predecessor, Nishad Wijetunga, for his leadership, and acknowledged the collaborative efforts of other associations in overcoming obstacles facing the tourism sector.
“We are confident that, by working closely with all stakeholders, including the national carrier, foreign tour operators, and diplomatic missions, Sri Lanka can achieve its arrival and revenue targets before 2030, and make tourism the number one foreign exchange earner for the country,” Jayasundera added.
