The Tourism Ministry will conduct a series of consultative meetings with various stakeholders tomorrow to chart the industry’s way forward amidst major challenges owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Government has decided to provide relief to those affected in tourism industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A special program is being prepared for this purpose after consulting the views of those engaged in tourism sector,” Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga told the Daily FT.

Members of hotel owners, inbound tour operators, tour guides, tourist taxi drivers, tourist bus drivers, SMEs and industry experts in the tourism industry will have separate individual meetings with the Minister tomorrow from 9.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. Ten members representing each association will be able to present their issues, challenges and proposals to the Minister.

“Steps have already been taken to formulate concessions for the industry, but we have found that there are some bottlenecks in certain areas. We hope to discuss and clear those technical hitches to ensure support and continuity of these businesses,” Ranatunga added.

The Minister said that shortlisted submissions will be considered for recommendation to the Cabinet for approval.

Ranatunga also said that he hopes to get insights from the industry stakeholders on the continuity to provide fee-free visa facility to 48 countries.

Tourism and Aviation Ministry Secretary Marina Mohammed and Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson Kimarli Fernando are also expected to participate at the discussions.