More tourist arrivals expected this year - THASL President
Anuradha KODAGODA
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A tourist captures a photograph of a popular ancient city in the
country.
Picture by Sumanachandra Ariyawansa
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President, Tourist Hotels Association Sri Lanka (THASL) and CEO of
Serendib Leisure, Srilal Miththapala said that they are quite optimistic
about more tourist arrivals this year even though there is a financial
crisis across the world.
“It is one of the main industries in the country which has
diversified in to many other sub-businesses,” he said.
THASL, the trade Association represents many of the leading hotels in
the country. THASL which was set up in 1965, has played a significant
role in developing the Tourism Industry.
With the dawn of peace in the country, there could be many
opportunities to diversify the tourist industry, especially in the
Northern and Eastern provinces.
“We could foresee more tourists coming into the country during this
period, but unfortunately due to the economic crisis around the globe,
there is a bigger drop, than we expected, he said.
 However, there are some stimulus packages which we are planning to
offer together with SriLankan Airlines as well as the Cultural Triangle,
for tourists arriving in the country despite the economic recession”
“Even though most of the investors seek to invest in lucrative
markets such as in the city area, there is a huge market potential still
available in the North and East.
Therefore, our main intention is to encourage investments in these
areas while creating job opportunities for rural youth as well. However,
we seek government involvement as well by offering special incentive tax
benefits for investors who wish to invest in these areas”, said
Miththapala.
“In the short term, there is an adverse affect on every industry due
to the global recession. Therefore, its essential to have government
support to sustain in the business. So far government policies have been
favourable to the industry.
There are many advantages due to the government’s stimulus package,
such as economic service charges reduction for one year, 15 per cent
electricity surcharge has been waived and also tax concessions have been
offered.
These benefits have helped to maintain cash flows in the industry,”
he said. |
