The majority of those in the Tourism Industry to whom "The Island" spoke to yesterday wholeheartedly welcomed the new Tourism Act which will be effective from October 1.


Hiran Cooray, President Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka and Deputy Chairman Jetwing Hotels Ltd said the new Act would bring all the stake holders in the industry together.


"Tourism Minister Milinda Moragoda gave an assurance to us when he assumed duties that the Act which was passed in parliament in 2005 November would be implemented in six months and he has honoured his word Cooray, said.


This act brings all stakeholders in the industry together and it provides more opportunities for us to be closer to each other. It provides an opportunity for Small and Medium operators as well to accrue the benefits, unlike in the past, he pointed out.


"Most of the crucial issues faced by the industry could be solved smoothly and there will be closer cooperation with the bureaucracy, which never existed earlier," he said.


Asked about the tourist arrivals, Cooray was optimistic that the industry will revive during a god winter and added that in August majority of hotels have performed well with Colombo hotels recording a very high occupancy. Month of September also looks sound with a surge of occupancy figures in the leisure sector while the MICE market will be benefited with a number of conferences such as the Tea Convention and the International Ayurvedhic Conference with a few others lined up in the coming months he said.


Asked for his comments Abbas Esufally, Group Director, Hem Tours (Pte)Ltd said "We are delighted with the news that the Tourism Act, will be implemented from October 1,"


This was something long overdue, but finally every one in the industry is going to be benefited by this excellent piece of legislation, Esufally pointed out.


"Now we have a place and a voice and all significant issue related to tourism could be resolved in an easier manner with the implementation of the new Tourism Act " he said.


Chandra Wickramasinghe, Chairman Connaissance de Ceylan, was also of the opinion that the new Act was long overdue added that the whole industry was eagerly looking forward to the new legislation.


"We need a huge amount of money to promote Sri Lanka as a destination and with the monies in the CESS fund and what has been generated from the Tourism Development Levy amounting to about Rs 1.2 billion will provide the much needed funds for tourism promotions," he said adding that with implementation of the new Act the task will be easier.


The new act will pave the way for easy decision making procedures and the Tourist promotions coming under the purview of a new bureau and this will enable SLTB to concentrate on the administrative functions more effectively and independently while the process will be very smooth, he pointed out.