Tourism sector SMEs buoyant

Charumini DE SILVA

The first quarter performance of the SME sector of the tourism industry is encouraging. It is confident that the impetus will continue, Association of Small and Medium Enterprises in Tourism (ASMET) President, Siri de Silva told Daily News Business.

"If we could attract around 20,000 to 25,000 from the total tourist arrivals towards the SME sector this year, it will be a great achievement. With a substantial year-on-year development the SMEs could gain a commendable growth," he said.

However, it is important to encourage the informal sector to join the formal sector in tourism by registering them as an initial step. Rather than being rigid to the informal sector, it is vital to offer an amnesty and bring them to the main stream. Being registered in the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) will enhance benefits of the SME sector of the tourism industry by developing professional skills, share and implementing best practices via linkages and joint strategies, to participate in national and international trade promotional events, to be competitive in the global market place through high quality and responsible tourism, de Silva said.

"The SME sector is now being looked after and there is a great support from state banks especially in granting loans," he said.