Government to set up stronger apex body for tourism

The government is planning to establish a new National Tourism Commission, which will have greater authority and oversight than the existing four tourism-related apex bodies, Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe announced on Wednesday.

This new establishment is part of the government’s efforts to streamline decision-making, improve governance and efficiency within the tourism sector, according to the Deputy Minister.

Currently, the tourism industry in Sri Lanka is spearheaded by four apex organisations including the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTB), Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) and the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management (SLITHM).

“The National Tourism Commission will be above these. This apex body will have full responsibility and authority for the entire tourism sector. Our aim is to simplify the complexities of dealing with multiple organizations and ministries,” Ranasinghe stated.

He further shared that the government is also set to roll out strategies to formalize the informal sector which currently accounts for 60 percent of the industry.

The strategies are currently being discussed with global supporting agencies such as the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank in an effort to increase tax revenue and improve industry standards.

“Our goal is to formalise at least 80 percent of the industry to make sure it operates under our guidelines, supervision and monitoring,” Ranasinghe said.

Moreover, considering the volatility of the tourism sector, a Social Welfare Protection Fund along with a Contributor Pension Scheme will be introduced to support workers involved in the industry
The government is set to provide initial seed funding for both the initiatives, according to the Deputy Minister.

Additionally, a new Tourism Act is being developed to make structural and operational changes across the industry.

“The concept paper was approved by the Cabinet last week, and it will bring significant changes in structures and operations,” Ranasinghe stressed. (NR)