• About Us
  • Advertise
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Contact
Sunday, 26 June 2022
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
353 14
Kimarli Fernando

Kimarli Fernando

323
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
Share129Tweet81

Related Posts

Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena
Developing

Japanese Ambassador pays courtesy call on Hon. Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena

2 December, 2021
Annexes and Exhibits of the Five Documents Submitted to Parliament - Sri Lanka News – BusinessNews.lk |Local|Business|Sports|World
Local News

Wadduwage Manju Lalith Varna Kumara sworn in as a Member of Parliament

2 December, 2021
Fair Weather
Local News

Mainly fair weather today

2 December, 2021
MY Kalizma – First Superyacht to berth at Port City Colombo Marina
Business News

MY Kalizma – First Superyacht to berth at Port City Colombo Marina

1 December, 2021
Fair Weather
Local News

Fair weather today

9 September, 2021
Udaya Gammanpila
Local News

The $267 billion worth of oil and gas resources in the Mannar Basin could generate three times the country’s total debt – Min. Udaya Gammanpila

9 September, 2021

RECENT

Fair Weather

Fair weather today

9 September, 2021
Udaya Gammanpila

The $267 billion worth of oil and gas resources in the Mannar Basin could generate three times the country’s total debt – Min. Udaya Gammanpila

9 September, 2021
Parliament of Sri Lanka

Finance Bill passed with amendments – Parliament

9 September, 2021
President Media Unit Sri Lanka

Commissioner General of Essential Services is empowered to issue orders to relevant officials as per the Section 5 of Public Security Ordinance

9 September, 2021
Showers

Several spells of showers expected today

8 September, 2021
HAMRO CEO Q Khan

IPG announces new owner for Dumballa – London-based HAMRO CEO Q Khan will own the franchise for LPL 2021

7 September, 2021
Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) - Sri Lanka News – BusinessNews.lk |Local|Business|Sports|World

Debt moratorium for COVID-19 affected businesses & individuals extended till 31 December 2021

7 September, 2021
Hilton Colombo Is Abuzz

S&T Interiors awarded Rs 1.94 billion Hilton Colombo refurbishment

7 September, 2021
High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Kenya Kananathan visits Hela Clothing factory in Kenya

High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Kenya Kananathan visits Hela Clothing factory in Kenya

7 September, 2021
Kimarli Fernando

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

7 September, 2021
Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI)

BOI and Jay Jay Mills sign up for US$ 4 Mn expansion to Trincomalee

7 September, 2021
Big Onions

Cabinet Decision: A tax of Rs. 40 on imported big onions

7 September, 2021
Parliament of Sri Lanka

Emergency Regulations passed by a majority of 81 votes – Parliament

7 September, 2021
Covid Vaccine in Sri Lanka.jpg

COVID vaccinations drive for age group 20-29 today

6 September, 2021
Lasantha Alagiyawanna

No increase in flour prices, importers assure – Min. Lasantha Alagiyawanna

6 September, 2021
Oximeter

Maximum retail price for Oximeter issued

6 September, 2021
Pfizer Covid Vaccine

Another consignment of the Pfizer arrived today

6 September, 2021
Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena

The Chinese government will do its utmost to help overcome the economic challenge as well as the COVID challenge in Sri Lanka – An assurance from the NPC Chairman of China to the Hon. Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka

6 September, 2021
Dinesh Gunawardena

Local Government Election System Review Committee points out to the Select Committee that the unusual growth in the number of members in local government bodies should be controlled

6 September, 2021
Annexes and Exhibits of the Five Documents Submitted to Parliament - Sri Lanka News – BusinessNews.lk |Local|Business|Sports|World

The debate on the Proclamation of Emergency Regulations scheduled today – Parliament

6 September, 2021
Sunil Perera

Veteran singer Sunil Perera passes away

6 September, 2021
Showers

Showers expected in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-Western provinces

6 September, 2021
White Sugar

29,900 metric tons of hoarded sugar in warehouses to consumers through state and private traders…

4 September, 2021
Fertilizer

Mechanism devised to provide organic fertilizer required for Maha Season without any shortage

4 September, 2021
Quarantine curfew in Sri Lanka

Quarantine curfew until 4 am on September 13 – PMD

4 September, 2021
Sri Lanka Telecom and Mobitel

SLT-MOBITEL deploys ‘Fibre of the Nation’ driving digital transformation and connected lifestyles

1 September, 2021
Jonathan Alles - www.businessnews.lk

HNB records over Rs. 100 Bn in volume on PAYFAST for 1H

1 September, 2021
Coronavirus declared global health emergency by WHO - Sri Lanka News – BusinessNews.lk |Local|Business|Sports|World

WHO Monitoring New Coronavirus Variant Named “Mu”

1 September, 2021
Cabinet Decisions

11 Cabinet Decisions taken on 30th August 2021

1 September, 2021
IMF

Sri Lanka receives Special Drawing Rights (SDR) Allocation of (IMF) and the Currency Swap Arrangement with the Bangladesh Bank

1 September, 2021
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