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1. Mandate and Responsibilities

SLTDA's main objectives revolve around the promotion and regulation of tourism in Sri Lanka. Its core responsibilities include:

• Tourism Policy Development: Formulating policies and strategies that align with the overall national economic and development goals of Sri Lanka.
• Tourism Promotion: Working in collaboration with other government bodies and private sector stakeholders to promote Sri Lanka as a global tourist destination.
• Regulation and Licensing: Ensuring that tourism service providers, including hotels, travel agents, and tour operators, adhere to national standards. This includes issuing licenses and ensuring compliance with industry regulations.
• Tourism Infrastructure Development: Overseeing the development of tourism infrastructure like hotels, resorts, airports, and tourist sites. They work to ensure that Sri Lanka's tourism infrastructure meets international standards.
• Sustainable Tourism: Promoting responsible and sustainable tourism practices that preserve Sri Lanka’s natural, cultural, and historical resources.

2. Key Functions

SLTDA performs several critical functions aimed at both tourists and stakeholders within the tourism sector:

• Registration and Licensing: SLTDA registers and licenses hotels, guesthouses, tour operators, travel agents, homestays, and other tourism-related service providers. This ensures that all services meet specific standards and regulations.
• Classification of Hotels: SLTDA is responsible for classifying hotels and other accommodation establishments in Sri Lanka based on their quality and service levels (e.g., star ratings).
• Tourism Data Collection: SLTDA collects and publishes tourism statistics and reports, including tourist arrivals, revenue generation, and market trends, which help guide industry stakeholders in decision-making.
• Destination Management: Managing and promoting key tourist attractions and regions in Sri Lanka, from cultural heritage sites to beaches and wildlife sanctuaries.
• Facilitating Investment: SLTDA facilitates both local and foreign investment in the tourism sector by providing information, support, and regulatory assistance.

3. SLTDA Initiatives

• Sustainable Tourism Development: SLTDA is actively involved in promoting sustainable tourism practices. This includes initiatives to minimize the environmental impact of tourism activities, protect natural resources, and involve local communities in tourism-related development.
• Tourism Promotion Campaigns: SLTDA works with Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) to launch global marketing campaigns that position Sri Lanka as an attractive destination for different segments, such as adventure tourism, wellness tourism, cultural tourism, and eco-tourism.
• Tourism Zones: SLTDA is responsible for the development of specific Tourism Zones across the country. These zones are areas with focused tourism development to boost regional economies and attract both domestic and international visitors.
• Event Support: SLTDA also plays a role in promoting and supporting major international events held in Sri Lanka, such as festivals, sports events, and conferences that attract tourists.

4. Tourism Standards and Regulations

SLTDA ensures that all tourism service providers meet certain quality standards, focusing on the following areas:

• Accommodation Standards: Hotels, guesthouses, and homestays are inspected and classified to maintain standards that meet international benchmarks.
• Health and Safety: Ensuring that establishments maintain hygiene and safety standards, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, where health protocols were introduced to protect tourists and locals alike.
• Training and Development: The authority also promotes the training and development of personnel working in the tourism sector, ensuring a skilled workforce that can meet the needs of tourists.

5. Support for Tourism Stakeholders

• Training and Capacity Building: SLTDA offers training programs and workshops for individuals and businesses involved in the tourism sector. This helps improve service standards and promotes best practices across the industry.
• Tourism Advisory Services: SLTDA provides guidance and support to investors and businesses looking to enter or expand in the Sri Lankan tourism sector, helping with regulations, permits, and other necessary procedures.
• Financial Assistance: SLTDA has occasionally launched support programs, such as financial assistance schemes, for businesses impacted by challenges like natural disasters or the COVID-19 pandemic, helping the sector recover and thrive.

6. Tourist Information Centers

SLTDA operates Tourist Information Centers across Sri Lanka, which offer assistance to tourists, including maps, guides, and information about attractions, accommodations, and transportation.

7. SLTDA’s Vision and Goals

• Vision: SLTDA’s vision is to position Sri Lanka as a globally recognized, sustainable, and competitive tourism destination that offers high-quality and diverse experiences to visitors.
• Goals:
  • Increase tourist arrivals and tourism revenue.
  • Enhance the quality of the tourism product offered in Sri Lanka.
  • Promote sustainable and responsible tourism practices.
  • Boost the local economy by fostering community involvement in tourism activities.

8. Partnership with Other Tourism Bodies

SLTDA works closely with other key organizations to promote and develop the tourism industry in Sri Lanka:

• Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB): Focuses on marketing and promoting Sri Lanka as a tourist destination both locally and globally.
• Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management (SLITHM): Focuses on training and education for individuals pursuing careers in tourism and hospitality.
• Sri Lanka Conventions Bureau (SLCB): Promotes Sri Lanka as a venue for international conventions and business meetings.

9. Tourism Recovery Post-Pandemic

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, SLTDA has been at the forefront of efforts to revive Sri Lanka’s tourism industry by:

• Launching safety certification programs for hotels and tourism operators to ensure safe travel.
• Collaborating with health authorities to implement safety guidelines for the tourism industry.
• Promoting domestic tourism to boost the economy while international travel restrictions were in place.

10. Contact Information

• Website: www.sltda.gov.lk
• Email: info@srilanka.travel
• Phone: +94 11 242 6900
• Address: No. 80, Galle Road, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka.