📈 SLAITO President Calls for Policy Role and Industry Level Playing Field

• Key Highlights & Sector Impact: Newly elected Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) President Bobby Jordan Hansen highlighted that 95% of members are SMEs. She urged a formal role in shaping national tourism policy, emphasizing that inbound tour operators act as a vital bridge for foreign exchange and global market links. • Macro Context & Earnings: Sri Lanka welcomed over 2.36 Mn tourists in 2025, generating approximately US$ 3.20 Bn in tourism earnings, underscoring the sector's critical role in national economic recovery and employment. • Informal Economy & Formalisation: Called for a level playing field by bringing unregistered businesses into the formal economy via compliance and fair regulation, rather than punitive measures, to broaden the tax base and safeguard service standards. • Marketing & Workforce Challenges: Urged targeted, experience-specific marketing to convert global interest into actual bookings instead of over-relying on influencers. Highlighted worker migration risks to hospitality service standards, advocating for enhanced training and youth career pathways.