SLAITO Archives

March 3, 2023

Wednesday 01 March 2023, Colombo: In a bid to support the revival of tourism in Sri Lanka, the Dentsu Grant Group Sri Lanka and Dentsu India have joined hands to gift an integrated marketing campaign titled; “And you thought you knew Sri Lanka” to the tourism industry. The campaign was created specially targeting the younger Indian tourist market for The Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) and The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) to help them promote the country to this potential target market. With the latest data showing USD 10 Billion was spent by Indians on foreign travel, the time seems opportune to try to woo some of this market to Sri Lanka.

The new campaign positions Sri Lanka as an exciting destination that offers a wide array of experiences many that are little known and off-the-beaten track. The campaign launch event was graced by the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka – His Excellency Gopal Baglay; Hon. Harin Fernando MP – Minister of Tourism and Lands; the President of SLAITO – Nishad Wijetunga; the President of THASL – M. Shantikumar and the Chairperson of the Dentsu Group – Neela Marikkar, along with other industry stakeholders and social media influencers.

Commenting at the event, Nishad Wijetunga – President of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) said, “The Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators and The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka are grateful to the Dentsu Grant Group for creating this very exciting integrated marketing campaign that will resonate with young Indian professionals who are seeking adventurous holidays, away from the stressful corporate environment. The campaign will highlight Sri Lanka’s hidden gems, which offer authentic and unique experiences that appeal to the target demographic. The Indian market has been a key support for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry always and we believe this re-energized effort to attract more Indian Millennials and Gen Z’s will be a win-win initiative for all parties and support Sri Lanka’s economic recovery.”

Shantikumar – President of The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) commenting on the initiative said “Sri Lanka possesses a rich culture that is truly unlike any other in the world. And we think this campaign resonates with the core values and the mission we try to achieve through our association while really bringing out the idea that this little island can surprise you in all that it has to offer. We at THASL are excited to partner with SLAITO to bring Dentsu’s idea to life and we also truly believe that the Indian market will be moved by the exciting and heartwarming experience created by Sri Lanka and its people, while helping the tourism industry boom once again”.

Elaborating further, Neela Marikkar – Chairperson of the Dentsu Grant Group said, “We are delighted to extend a helping hand to boost the tourism industry stakeholders, including the SME sector who have all been badly affected. When our Dentsu network reached out to see how they can assist the country at this difficult time we decided to collaborate with our counterparts in India to develop a tourism promotion campaign on a pro bono basis to support the revival of tourism to the country. We felt it would be the best support we could give as it’s a quick win to drive foreign exchange back to the country. India was the market of our choice going by our data we estimate around 24 million potential target audience just within South India alone. This is significant. We wanted to have a new story to tell our younger audience about amazing aspects of Sri Lanka that they won’t know about. And that’s what our campaign will do. We are happy to support THASL and SLAITO to bring in a greater inflow of Indian tourists. Dentsu is a leading global agency network and we have been able to get Dentsu Creative and Dentsu X in India to work with us to develop the concept and also get some media houses in India to support us in the initial stage on a pro bono basis. They too appreciate the challengse we face, and we are grateful for the support we have received right across the board. As Sri Lanka’s leading creative marcom agency, we have conceptualized a campaign which we feel will strike a chord with these young Indian audience and hope to inspire them to visit our beautiful country.

This campaign will feature lesser-known sites that offer a brand-new experience to young Indian professionals who are adventurous and looking for authentic experiences. Some of the locations featured in the campaign are the Underwater Shipwreck in Pasikuda; Nildiya Pokuna at Ella; Kabaragala Mountain Hike in Sabaragamuwa; White Water Rafting in Kithulgala; and Water Sports at Kalpitiya. Sri Lanka has all the ingredients to be a short-haul adventure destination for Indian professionals looking for a fun and inspiring holiday.

Our partners to the campaign are Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Lois London – for sponsoring the fashion in the film, PR – who provided all the high-end swimwear for the film, Greenfolk, iFilm, Malinda Bandara, Gal Oya and Juice – for the free footage, Water garden and Aitken Spence Hotels & Aitken Spence Travels – for providing the accommodation, locations & logistics for our shoot.

January 25, 2018

Harith Perera - President, SLAITO hands over report to Hon. Gamini Jayawickrama Perera, Minister of Sustainable Development and Wildlife in the presence of Hon. John A. E. Amaratunga - Minister of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs, flanked by Nalin Jayasundara - Vice President and Nishad Wijetunga – Committer Member of SLAITO

October 26, 2017

Thursday, 26 October 2017, Colombo: The Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) has extended its support to the initiative taken by the Department of Wildlife to limit the number of vehicles entering Yala National Park. The Association is of the view that Yala is over visited and continued over visitation will only result in the ruin of Yala itself.

A list of workable proposals on managing the over-visitation in Yala has been detailed in a report that was formulated by a committee consisting of all stakeholders, including the DWC under the guidance of the policy planning office of the Prime Minister’s office. The implementation of these proposals will be carried out by the DWC as the sole custodian of the National Parks under the Fauna and Flora ordinance. This report was the result of a six-month long process. The proposals if implemented will manage the over visitation without it affecting the economic benefit to the DWC or the local stake holders in the area.

Increasingly, over-visitation of Yala is posing a threat to the flora and fauna in the park. Environmentalists have stressed the need for strict regulations to limit the number of vehicles entering the park for some time now, so as to retain the bio diversity in the park and reduce pollution caused by vehicle emissions.

In recent months, the negative publicity of over-visitation as shared in social media and newspaper reports is rendering Yala unpopular among foreign tour operators, thus affecting tourism revenue and livelihoods. Overseas tour operators who are mindful of ethical tourism are reluctant to include Yala in tour itineraries as tourists often complain that the good experience of an animal citing is often marred by overcrowding of vehicles in the one location, even leading to traffic jams. This move to regulate visitation into the national park is expected to be received favourably by tour operators.

This joint consensus is a pioneering and ideal approach to ensure all stakeholders are consulted in matters that can have an impact on livelihoods and the economy. As the apex body for in-bound tourism and established to promote and foster the rapid and long term growth of tourism in Sri Lanka by providing and maintaining a high standard of excellence in the services provided for the comfort and convenience of the tourist in all aspects, the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) champions industry causes.

September 2, 2017

Friday, 01 September 2017 Colombo: The 37^th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of The Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) was held on 25th August 2017 in the presence of over 200 attendees. Harith Perera (Managing Director – Hemas Travel Cluster) was appointed as Incoming President of SLAITO 2017 /2018 on the occasion. Hosted by Anantara Kalutara Resort, which opened the gates of its beautiful resort and warm hospitality to welcome SLAITO members, the AGM concluded successfully followed by a gala dinner.

At the AGM, the following office bearers were appointed,

Mr. Harith Perera – President
Mr. Nalin Jayasundera – Vice President
Ms. Gayangi Wirasinha – Hony. Treasurer
Ms. Nushani Ediriweera – Hony. Secretary
Mr. Devindre Senaratne – Immediate Past President

Commenting on his appointment, Harith Perera said, “It is a great personal honour to be appointed Incoming President of SLAITO 2017/18. I would like to thank the immediate past president Devindre Senaratne for his contribution. In preparation for this new role, I have consulted with past presidents and office bearers of SLAITO about the challenges that face the industry and our members and the path forward. I am committed to making a significant contribution to have a beneficial impact on SLAITO members.”

Elaborating further, the incoming President mentioned strong focus on proposed destination promotions through Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Board (SLTPB); the need to restructure Sancharaka Udawa to be a more sustainable and meaningful venture; initiate a CSR project; appoint a fully dedicated company for public relations and lobbying objectives of SLAITO; and to develop a road map for joint collaboration between The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) and SALITO.

Commenting on new initiatives, he proposes relooking at services to cater to the changing needs of the new tourist; attracting/training new staff; enhancing efficiency and sustainability of sites; and developing a sound relationship with line ministries through the Ministry of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs.

Delivering a speech on the occasion, Guest Speaker Udaya Nanayakkara – Chairman of SLTPB commended SLAITO members for their contribution and praised the tourism minister for his unstinted support to the industry. He went on to stress the importance of creating windows of opportunity by boosting tourism and simultaneously attracting investors as a form of business tourism. He noted that SLAITO has come a long way and commended the SLAITO Board for its proactive approach.

The Guest of Honour at the AGM, Dr. Harsha De Silva – Deputy Minister National Policies & Economic Affairs, delivered an insightful, statistical and thought provoking address while elaborating on creating the most viable economic environment to foster the growth of tourism in SL. “We need variety in our tourism and need to create and build the necessary eco system to grow the tourism industry. We must utilize opportunities wisely in order to have a long and sustainable future in this industry. Our tourism sector is an avenue to increase investment and incomes and to enhance employment and entrepreneurship. We must establish a balance to create development and implement policies to create wealth. The need of the hour is to target the right audience and capture the right market to get our message through. This industry is changing and evolving; we need to move with the times.”

The Chief Guest on the occasion, Hon. John Amaratunga – Minister of Tourism Development & Christian Religious Affairs congratulated the newly-appointed SLAITO committee and incoming President. In his speech, he noted the recent challenges faced by the industry due to natural calamities, while assuring those present that his ministry is doing everything in its power to improve the situation with SLAITO’s support.

As the apex body for in-bound tourism and established to promote and foster the rapid and long term growth of tourism in Sri Lanka by providing and maintaining a high standard of excellence in the services provided for the comfort and convenience of the tourist in all aspects, the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) champions industry causes.

The Dentsu Grant Group together with SLAITO and THASL launch the ‘And you thought you knew Sri Lanka’ campaign to entice Indian travelers to visit Sri Lanka’s hidden gems

SLAITO hands over Impactful report which proposes equitable solution to manage over-visitation at Yala National Park

SLAITO backs Government’s responsible initiative to regulate number of vehicles entering Yala National Park

Harith Perera Appointed President at SLAITO 2017 AGM