Tourism industry stakeholders are happy about the new strong government in power. However they are unhappy with the present Tourism Regulatory Authority way of working and in many instances, taking arbitrary decisions without even consulting the private sector board representatives.
There have been some instances in the past where key stakeholders have been omitted from discussions related to the trade. The decision to transfer 14 employees of Sri Lanka tourism to other provinces and open offices for SLTDA when the 13th Amendment to the Constitution clearly says tourism is a devolved subject and it should be handled by the provincial councils.
There are also a few litigation issues concerning SLTDA and hiring of private lawyers without following the proper process.
They are hopeful the new government will consider the above issues when appointing new persons without a conflict of interest and keep the industry united while having a proper plan for Sri Lanka tourism in a post covid era in consultation with the stakeholders.
They also allege that the collection made from Tourism Development Levy is also being distributed to the guides and chauffeur- guides with cabinet approval without consulting the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority.
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