New President declares the apex body of Sri Lanka’s inbound tour operators “an association for all,” as industry leaders, diplomats and policymakers gather at Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams 

The Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) has entered a new chapter, with Bobby Jordan Hansen elected President at the association’s Annual General Meeting held recently at Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, Colombo. The meeting drew a distinguished gathering of key industry stakeholders, senior government officials and members of the diplomatic community, underscoring the central role inbound tour operators continue to play in shaping the island’s tourism future. 

Delivering his message to members, Immediate Past President Nalin Jayasundera reviewed a two-year tenure in which Sri Lanka’s inbound operators unified the industry’s voice, modernised infrastructure and strengthened the association’s institutional capital. 

The association’s financial reserves rose by 120 percent, from a baseline of LKR 16 million to LKR 35 million, securing funding for long-term advocacy programmes. Membership grew by 25 percent, from 178 to 220 inbound tour operator organisations, a clear sign of growing trust across the sector. 

On the policy front, SLAITO engaged directly with the Ministry of Finance and the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority to secure a dedicated vehicle importation scheme, resolving acute service bottlenecks in the tourist transport fleet. The association also convened international panels of experts to present the case for a global marketing campaign directly to political leaders, placing destination marketing firmly on the national agenda. In addition, SLAITO joined THASL, ASMET and SLAPCEO in a united coalition of major private sector bodies to submit joint amendment proposals to the Tourism Act, in response to regulatory changes considered detrimental to the industry. 

A standout achievement was the transformation of Sancharaka Udawa from a local trade exhibition into Sri Lanka’s premier international B2B platform.  

The tenure also invested in the industry’s future. The “Guardians of the Blues” programme delivered specialised capacity training for guide lecturers and tour personnel, while academic knowledge-sharing workshops created a pipeline for university students entering hospitality. SLAITO’s web infrastructure was also fully revamped to better serve international partners. 

Reflecting on these achievements, Jayasundera pointed to unity as the association’s greatest strength. “We are a collective voice for the industry, and this unity was the foundational asset that enabled every other success,” he said. 

In her first address as President, Hansen set out a clear and forward-looking agenda built on inclusion and partnership. She highlighted the urgent need to bring Sri Lanka’s rapidly growing informal tourism sector into the formal fold, noting that a stronger, more regulated industry benefits operators, travellers and the destination alike. 

“Our industry is growing in ways we cannot ignore, and much of that growth is happening outside the formal sector,” Hansen said. “Bringing these players into the mainstream is not about exclusion or control. It is about raising standards, protecting the visitor experience and ensuring that everyone who contributes to Sri Lankan tourism has a seat at the table.” 

Hansen was equally direct in addressing a long-held perception about the association. “There is a myth that SLAITO exists only for the larger organisations. Let me be very clear: SLAITO is for all. Whether you are a large DMC or a small, emerging operator, this association is your voice.” 

She urged all stakeholders to work together to build a more inclusive tourism industry, stressing that close collaboration with the public sector will be essential. “Sustainable and equitable growth will only be possible if the private and public sectors move forward as genuine partners,” she said. 

The evening also paused to recognise one of the association’s long-serving leaders. Past President Nishad Wijetunga felicitated Past President Harith Perera for his commendable contribution to SLAITO over many years, in his capacities as a committee member, President and Past President. The tribute was warmly received by members, many of whom acknowledged Perera’s steady guidance and unwavering commitment to the association and the wider industry. 

The Hon. Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, Deputy Minister of Tourism, graced the occasion as Chief Guest, while the Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, H.E. Matthew Duckworth, and the New Zealand High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, H.E. David Pine, addressed the gathering as Guest Speakers. Also present was the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority.  

With a new President at the helm and a renewed focus on inclusivity, formalisation and public-private partnership, SLAITO enters the year ahead building on a stronger foundation than ever. Its mandate is clear: to ensure that the growth of Sri Lanka tourism is not only rapid, but also sustainable and shared by all.