• About Us
  • Advertise
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Contact
Saturday, 28 January 2023
28 °c
Colombo
27 ° Mon
27 ° Tue
27 ° Wed
26 ° Thu
Sri Lanka News - BusinessNews.lk
  • Home
  • Brief
  • News
    • Local
    • Covid-19
    • Developments
    • Sports
    • World
    • Weather
  • Business
    • Banking & Insurance
    • Corporate
    • CSR
    • Economy
    • Entrepreneur
    • Financial
    • Travel
    • Budget
  • Mag
  • News – Sinhala
    • Business – Sinhala
No Result
View All Result
Sri Lanka News - BusinessNews.lk
Home Business News

Recognizing the vital role of SMEs in Sri Lanka’s Tourism Sector

by Editor
7 September, 2021
in Business News, News, Travel
3 min read
364 15
Kimarli Fernando

Kimarli Fernando

333
SHARES
1.5k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

The Foreign Ministry of Sri Lanka in collaboration with Sri Lanka Tourism recently hosted a virtual business to business (B2B) interactive session with the Member states of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) with the aim of enhancing tourism cooperation in the region. CICA is a multi-national forum for enhancing cooperation towards promoting peace, security, and stability in Asia. The forum which was focused on the importance and benefits of international collective efforts and collaborative endeavors to create a sustainable tourism sector post pandemic was attended by over 100 industry experts from twenty-seven member states.

Opening remarks for the meeting were made by Hon. Tharaka Balasooriya, State Minister of Regional Cooperation who commended the measures taken by the Government in upholding the economic and social development aspirations of the people despite the challenges faced due to the pandemic. Ms. Kimarli Fernando, Chairperson of, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau made the keynote address, followed by a comprehensive presentation on Sri Lanka. The presentation covered a variety of topics related to tourism and the measures currently being taken to ensure a faster post-pandemic recovery. Presentations were also made by The Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO), Association for Small & Medium Enterprises in Tourism (ASMET), The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) while the closing remarks were made by Mr. Rohana Ambagolla, Director General/East Asia, Foreign Ministry of Sri Lanka.

A key component in this strategy for recovery is the SME sector, which makes up nearly 80% of the domestic tourism industry. The Association for Small & Medium Enterprises in Tourism (ASMET) represented this vital sector and acknowledged the government’s efforts to support SMEs at this critical juncture. Speaking on behalf of ASMET, at the virtual session, Mr. Rohan Abeywikrema elaborated on the challenges faced by the industry. He went on to praise the government’s effort to sustain the industry by implementing a series of policy decisions and by incorporating a framework of best practices commensurate with international standards. Mr.Abeywickrema further praised the commitment by Sri Lanka Tourism to provide the SME sector with a voice and the many measures taken to mitigate the challenges faced by the industry. The support of The Ministry of Finance was also acknowledged as being crucial for sustaining the tourism sector until a full recovery is possible.

SMEs are a vital part of the island’s tourism industry and an engine for economic growth. They are, however, also the most affected demographic due to the prevailing situation. Sri Lanka Tourism continues to work closely with these SMEs, to ensure they survive the current slump and find the fastest possible road to recovery. The Authorities have spearheaded the process of converting the SME sector from an informal to a formal sector which ensured improved standardisation, modern regulations, and pragmatic policy decisions. Additionally, the latest technology has been implemented, including complete automation of the ‘Tourism Service Provider Registration Process’, which now provides 100% online registration.

“The work we have done towards completely revamping the local tourism sector, ensures visitors are provided with a more authentic island experience and sustainable tourism model. The primary focus at this point is the sector’s speedy recovery and SMEs have a crucial role to play in this transition,” commented Ms. Kimarli Fernando – Chairperson SL Tourism. Mr. Sanath Ukwatte, President of The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka who spoke at the virtual event echoed similar sentiments and stressed the need for a clear pathway to recovery. He thanked the government for the stimulus measures that have been implemented and noted that developing domestic tourism was vital for sustaining the sector until borders begin to open.

Following the CICA event, Ms.Kimarli Fernando was recently a panelist at the CIMA CXO Forum 2021 which focused on ‘Navigating the tides of uncertainty’ and explored some of the key issues facing the region while discussing best practices the industry could  follow to mitigate  the challenges. The panelist at the forum discussed the need to adapt to the new normal and the measures that need to be implemented for economies to capitalise on the ‘great reset’ taking place globally. Given the future requires a more diverse, inclusive, and collaborative approach across political, economic, and social spheres, Ms.Fernando emphasized Sri Lanka Tourisms stance to continue to focus on building an inclusive and sustainable industry with a keen focus on the SME sector.

The advancements made within the industry during the downtime will enable Sri Lanka to re-emerge as a truly world-class destination that caters to a more high-yielding visitor. While the many stakeholders in the industry will have a crucial role to play in this transformation, Sri Lanka Tourism remains focused on continuing to position Sri Lanka as one of the most important leisure destinations in Asia which will no doubt uplift vital revenue streams to the Island.

More News:

New Kelani Bridge almost complete – Min. Johnston Fernando

The Quote:

“Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill

 

Tags: bnslLkaSri Lanka NewsSriLankaTravel & Toursim News in Sri Lanka
Share133Tweet83

Related Posts

President Ranil Wickremesinghe
Local News

I am bound to implement the existing law of the country – President Ranil Wickremesinghe

28 January, 2023
Helicopter
Local News

Italy to supply helicopters to SL to combat human trafficking – PMD

27 January, 2023
Ranil Wickremesinghe
Local News

Introduce modern technology to transcend digital economy – President Ranil Wickremesinghe

27 January, 2023
Microsoft release second 'final' Windows 7 update - Sri Lanka News – BusinessNews.lk |Local|Business|Sports|World
News

Thousands of Microsoft users experience Teams and Outlook going down

26 January, 2023
Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay
Local News

Indian HC emphasizes importance of India and Sri Lanka working together on the journey ahead – HC Gopal Baglay

26 January, 2023
COPA - Committee on Public Accounts (COPA)
Local News

COPA Proposes Measures to Increase Efficiency of Inland Revenue Department

26 January, 2023

RECENT

COPA - Committee on Public Accounts (COPA)

COPA Proposes Measures to Increase Efficiency of Inland Revenue Department

26 January, 2023
Groundnut threshing made easier with the “Agrotech” Groundnut Thresher from Hayleys Agriculture

Groundnut threshing made easier with the “Agrotech” Groundnut Thresher from Hayleys Agriculture

25 January, 2023
Ministry of Education - Sri Lanka News – BusinessNews.lk |Local|Business|Sports|World

Ensuring textbooks are available for the upcoming school term is being organized – Minister of Education

25 January, 2023
Sri Lanka Customs

Govt. to introduce E-License system to customs – Finance Minister

25 January, 2023
Egg

A pricing formula for eggs and poultry – Min. of Agriculture and the Ministry of Trade

25 January, 2023
Construction of New Terminal at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) to Commence in September

Japan assures they will continue to provide assistance for BIA’s Terminal 02 construction

25 January, 2023
Dr.Nandalal Weerasinghe

Sri Lanka hopeful of completing debt restructuring in six months – Governor Dr.Nandalal Weerasinghe

25 January, 2023
A.H.M Fowzie

A.H.M. Fowzie’s name gazette to fill vacant parliamentary seat

25 January, 2023
Ranjith Siyambalapitiya

Public employees Salaries to be paid today as normal – Ranjith Siyambalapitiya

25 January, 2023
Japan Donates $3.5 Million Worth of Refrigeration and Nutritional Supplies to Sri Lanka via UNICEF

Japan Donates $3.5 Million Worth of Refrigeration and Nutritional Supplies to Sri Lanka via UNICEF

25 January, 2023
Coal

Two more coal shipments expected in Jan. – Kanchana Wijesekera

25 January, 2023
Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL)

Governor of CBSL Hopeful That IMF Will Receive Prompt Financial Guarantees for Debt Restructuring

25 January, 2023
HIGH POSTS COMMITTEE

The Committee on High Posts has approved the appointment of a new High Commissioner, an ambassador and two Chairpersons.

25 January, 2023
Youth in Sri Lanka

Youth Engagement Program to Build Clean Green Cities for 75th National Independence Day Celebrations

25 January, 2023
Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia will create 200,000 jobs for Sri Lankans in 2023 – Manusha Nanayakkara

25 January, 2023
Tianjin Port Group and Huawei announce deepening cooperation to build a digital twin of the port

Tianjin Port Group and Huawei Partner to Develop a Digital Twin of the Port

24 January, 2023
Sri Lanka and China

China supports Sri Lanka debt moratorium

24 January, 2023
White Water Rafting

Formation of Committee to Examine White Water Rafting in Kitulgala

24 January, 2023
Flight Entry Restricted

Cabinet approves revising over flight charges

24 January, 2023
Parliament Insight: Committee Meeting News

Ministerial Consultative Committee approves revision of Companies and Societies Fees gazette

24 January, 2023
COPA - Committee on Public Accounts (COPA)

Sub-committee Works to Create System to Provide Quality Workers to Foreign Job Market – COPA

24 January, 2023
CDB among Ten Best Corporate Citizens for fifth consecutive year

CDB among Ten Best Corporate Citizens for fifth consecutive year

24 January, 2023
Nestlé Professional fosters Sri Lanka’s talented chefs via Nestlé Golden Chefs’ Hat Competition

Nestlé Professional fosters Sri Lanka’s talented chefs via Nestlé Golden Chefs’ Hat Competition

24 January, 2023
Unilever crowned Best Corporate in Sri Lanka for fostering Employee Relations at Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Awards 2022

Unilever crowned Best Corporate in Sri Lanka for fostering Employee Relations at Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Awards 2022

24 January, 2023
Printcare Recognized at Asian Packaging Excellence Awards

Printcare Recognized at Asian Packaging Excellence Awards

24 January, 2023
PickMe’s new feature enables secondary income for middle class

PickMe’s new feature enables secondary income for middle class

24 January, 2023
DIMO, the nation’s growth partner, showcases Sri Lanka’s roads of progress in its 2023 calendar

DIMO, the nation’s growth partner, showcases Sri Lanka’s roads of progress in its 2023 calendar

24 January, 2023
Swisstek Aluminium Ltd

Swisstek Aluminium Receives ISO 50001:2018 Certification for Sustainable Energy Management

24 January, 2023
CIC Holdings

CIC delivers highest-ever PAT of Rs. 8.3 b by end-3Q

24 January, 2023
Inflation Rate in Sri Lanka

Headline inflation decreased to 59.2% in December 2022

24 January, 2023
Sri Lanka News - BusinessNews.lk

Copyright © 2020
Business Studio
Powered by Rani CS

Navigate Site

  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Contact

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Local
  • Business
  • Covid-19
  • Sports
  • World
  • Magazine
  • Business – Sinhala

Copyright © 2020
Business Studio
Powered by Rani CS

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Fill the forms bellow to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist