On the advice of the Minister of Tourism, Milinda Moragoda, a Committee has been appointed to look into the challenges ahead of Sri Lanka Tourism, caused by the world economic crisis and other regional developments, impacting tourist arrival to Sri Lanka.


Commenting on the situation, the Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, George Michael said that the global economic crisis was reflected in the drastic drop of prices in key luxury hotels, and the significant reduction of country arrivals in key locations throughout the world. He further added that according to industry experts, the impact of this situation is estimated to last until 2012.


Tourism Strategic Planning Country Sessions, which were concluded recently, discussed the necessity to formulate a body consisting of key stakeholders enabling the tourism industry to take quick decisions.
Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Bernard Goonetilleke said that it was under this backdrop, that the Tourism Strategic Action Group (TSAG) had been formed.


TSAG hopes to centralise the decision-making process, and ease its implementation as opposed to the present structure which is not too flexible. It will explore the opportunities and challenges and strategise the way forward for Sri Lanka Tourism.


Headed by Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Bernard Goonethilake and co-chaired by Chairman, Tourism Advisory Committee, Ken Balendra, the Tourism Strategic Action Group will comprise 13 members, including Addl. Secretary (Development) - Ministry of Tourism, B.M.U.D. Basnayake, Chairman, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, Prema Cooray, Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Renton de Alwis, Chairman, Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management, Cornel Perera, Board member, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), Abbas Esufally, Deputy Chairman, John Keels Holdings PLC, Ajith Gunewardene, Board member, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Siri de Silva, Board Member Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management, Srilal Mittapala, Chairman, Jetwing Hotels Ltd., Hiran Cooray, Deputy Chairman, Aitken Spence, Ranjan Brito, and Chairman, Connaissance Holdings Ltd, Chandra Wickramasinghe.

The Tourism Strategic Action Group has discussed key areas of focus, such as promotional campaigns in strategic locations in major receiving countries, examining the possibility of drawing on the resources earmarked from the aid package to be put in place: the availability of airline seats and inbound flights, the issue of travel advisories, the situation about declining service standards, domestic tourism, local transportation, and special train services, and also the dire need for a safety net to rescue the tourism industry. The TSAG committee is scheduled to meet early next week and finalise its recommendations to maximise the opportunities that are present.