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