THASL hails Tourism Minister’s swift action on visa fee issue

Tuesday, 7 May 2024 00:30 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) yesterday hailed Tourism Minister Harin Fernando for his proactive leadership to the recent controversy surrounding the sudden increase in visa fees and the associated issuing process.

Recognising the critical role played by the tourism sector in the country’s economic recovery, Minister Fernando swiftly addressed concerns raised by leading stakeholders in the tourism industry.

Acknowledging the potential threat posed by the abrupt changes to the country’s forex earnings and tourism contributions, THASL said Minister Fernando took prompt action to mitigate the adverse effects on the tourism sector.

“Understanding the significance of maintaining a conducive environment for tourism growth, the Minister engaged with key stakeholders to assess the impact of the visa fee hike and the associated implications for the industry’s sustainability,” THASL added.