About SLAITO
The Apex representing Inbound Tour Operators
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The Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) is the apex body for the inbound tourism industry in Sri Lanka. SLAITO has been the most influential institution in terms of guiding policy makers in Sri Lanka to overcome the challenges faced by the industry. The objective of SLAITO is to represent the interests of all stakeholders and to ensure that Sri Lanka takes its rightful place in the global tourism community.
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This non-profit association was inaugurated in 1975 by several Destination Management Companies (DMC’s) to be the voice of the inbound tourism industry in Sri Lanka. Formally known as the Association of Group Tour Agents (AGTA), was later reconstituted as SLAITO in 2002.
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The membership of SLAITO amounts to 192 Fully-fledged Members and 53 Associate Members at present while over 95% of them are from the small and medium sector.
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SLAITO plays a vital role in all significant private sector decision-making forums and is affiliated to The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. This is the only Association recognized by the tourism act that represents the inbound tourism sector. At present, a significant majority of tourists to Sri Lanka are handled by the SLAITO membership.
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In its latest venture SLAITO embarked on a new journey to form an alliance with member tourism associations under one umbrella “One Industry, One Voice”. The intent of this alliance is to address issues in the tourism industry by seeking government intervention as one body.
Main Objectives Served By SLAITO
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To promote long term and sustainable growth of Sri Lanka Tourism.
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Ensure an excellent visitor experience and service by facilitating the member companies.
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To establish and maintain a good relationship with all government bodies, particularly with the Minister of Tourism, his/her Ministry and all other authorities established by the Government to support tourism in Sri Lanka.
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To liaise and maintain cordial relations with all the industry stakeholders.
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To lobby Government and relevant authorities on behalf of our membership to create the policy framework that will ensure the growth of the Tourism industry in Sri Lanka.
Becoming A Member Will Reap The Benefits Of,
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Addressing industry issues not as an individual company but as a collective group.
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Industry recognition to reach foreign tour operators.
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Trade circulars and other official documents from various authorities
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Special travel fares and discounts from Airlines.
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SME status when attending trade fairs and benefits that SME’s receive
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Arbitration between the tour operators and the local DMCs
One Industry, One Voice
PARTNERS OF THE SRI LANKA ASSOCIATION OF INBOUND TOUR OPERATORS - SLAITO
ALUMNI ATEHM UNIVERSITY OF COLOMBO
President
MR. NIHAL MUHANDIRAM
President
+94 (77) 351 2812
ALUMNI ATEHM, DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS, UNIVERSITY OF COLOMBO, COLOMBO 03.
SRI LANKA ASSOCIATION OF AIRLINE REPRESENTATIVES (SLAAR)
Regional Manager
MR. DIMUTHU AMARATHUNGE
Regional Manager
+94 (77) 787 0224
NO. 466, 2/1, THIMBIRIGASYAYA ROAD,
COLOMBO 5.
RENT A CAR ASSOCIATION (RACA)
President
MR. KISHAN D. PERERA
President
+94 (11) 287 5063
NO. 50, RAMYA MAWATHA,
SRI SUBUTHIPURA,
BATTARAMULLA.
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TRAVEL AND TOURISM PROFESSIONALS (SKAL)
President
MS. DINUSHKA CHANDRASENA
President
+94 (77) 775 6726
NO. 263/3,
1/1, GALLE ROAD,
COLOMBO 3.
SRI LANKA ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCE, EXHIBITION ORGANISERS (SLAPCEO)
President
MR. IMRAN HASSAN
President
+94 (77) 791 5933
C/O SRI LANKA CONVENTION BUREAU,
4TH FLOOR, HOTEL SCHOOL BUILDING,
NO. 78, GALLE ROAD, COLOMBO 3.
HOTELIERS ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH (HOST)
President
MR. SHAMINDRA FERNANDO
President
+94 (91) 224 4322
NO. 29,
UPPER DICKSON ROAD,
GALLE.
ASSOCIATION OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN TOURISM SRI LANKA (ASMET)
President
MR. ROHAN ABEYWICKREMA
President
+94 (77) 766 1111
NO. 20, ½, REGENT BUILDING,
SIR CHITTAMPALAM
A. GARDINER MAWATHA, COLOMBO 2.
Managing Committee 2022/23
President
Mr. Nishad Wijetunga
Director/CEO
Wayfarers
Vice President
Ms. Bobby Hansen
Managing Director
Columbus Tours
Vice President
Mr. Nalin Jayasundera
Managing Director
Aitken Spence Travels
Hon. Secretary
Mr. Charith De Alwis
General Manager
Tangerine Tours
Past Presidents
Sep 2021 - July 2022
Mr. Thilak Weerasinghe
July 2010 - June 2012
Mr. Nilmin Nanayankkara
Aug 2000 - June 2002
Sep 2019 - July 2021
Mr. Mahen Kariyawasan
Sep 2008 - June 2010
Mr. Chandra Wickramasinghe
Aug 1999 - July 2000
Ms. Shiromal Cooray
Aug 2017 - Sept 2019
Mr. Harith Perera
Aug 2006 - Aug 2008
Mr. Dirk Grigson
Sep 2015 - Aug 2017
Mr. Devindre Seneratne
Aug 2004 - July 2006
July 2012 - Sep 2015
Mr. Mahen Kariyawasan
