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Leisure industry placed fourth largest money-spinner

REVENUE: Tourism industry was placed as the fourth largest foreign exchange earner to the country despite the industry facing a few problems.

The total earnings from January to September 2006 stood at US $ 349.8 million behind textiles and garment earnings, foreign workers remittance and tea export revenue.

Vice President Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) Srilal Miththapala said that this was very commendable inspite of reduced traffic.

"If we have one complete year of strong growth, this figure can dramatically increase," he said. For this the Government must in mediate to take off adverse travel advisories imposed by some countries.

While welcoming the UK first choice charter to the country he said a tactical consumer campaign in association with leading tour operators in the UK market is already underway.

Another consumer campaign in association with SriLankan Airline, launched in India, where the airline will offer a special fare, packaged with 3/5/7 day nights out of the major cities in India.

Although the Bhora community event held in Sri Lanka on January 7 was expected to boost the arrival figure, the month recorded only an approximate 27,000 arrivals, compared to 52,103 in January 2006, a 48% drop.

It was estimated that about 10,000 Bhora persons arrived for the religious festivals during the month of January 2007.

THASL has appealed to the CEB to consider their request to include the Hotel Category to have the concession of the 20% fuel surcharge hike as stipulated in the gazette no. 1477/3 dated 26/12/2006.

"Since THASL did not receive any response from the CEB, we have no alternative but to seek legal advice, he said. THASL is very happy over appointing Milinda Moragoda as the Minister of Tourism and Faizer Mustapha as his deputy he said.

Hiran Cooray, President, Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka said that several meetings have already been held with the Minister and the Minister is approaching the issues methodically.

"He has not given us any promise but promised to take up the burning issues, including the New Tourism Act," Cooray, said.

"The ITB Tourism Fair in Berlin is the world's largest tourism event which will be held from March 7th to 11th 2007. This time over 38 companies from Sri Lanka will be attending this fair to promote Sri Lankan tourism.

"The Ministry of Tourism announced a 50% waiver of the stall charges this year at a meeting convened by Faizer Mustapha, Deputy Minister of Tourism recently to discuss plans for the ITB 2007. This will enable more companies to participate", he said.

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