Travel sector urges minister to implement tourism Act

TOURISM ACT: Both Tourist Hotels Association (THASL) and Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) are requesting the minister of Tourism, Anura Bandaranaike to implement the tourism act as early as possible.

Following is the letter addressed to the minister with a copy to the president Mahinda Rajapaksa, a secretary to the Treasury Dr. P.B.Jayasundara.

As the Minister is aware our two Associations are comprised of Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) and Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) which accounts for almost the entire organised tourism sector.

Our submission is the implementation of the Tourism Act No. 38 of 2005 which was piloted by you and approved unanimously by parliament will be beneficial to the industry and conducive to its advancement and development.

Needless to say the members of both our associations will be disappointed if the act is not implemented as much thought and effort has gone in to this important exercise over a long period of time.

"We therefore, appeal to you to consider bringing that Act into operation without any amendments.

However, if you are inclined to change the Law that you enacted, we humbly request you to consider repealing the whole of it as well as the relevant provisions in the Finance Act No. 25 of 2003 so that the private sector that is responsible for 99% of the whole industry is able to plan and conduct its marketing, out of its own resources.