Informal Sector Membership Drive by Sri Lanka Tourism – Support from Australia’s MDF

In August this year, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) launched a membership drive to encourage more registrations from tourism operators in the country’s informal sector; this was supported by the Australian private sector development programme known as MDF or Market Development Facility. As part of the initiative, a trilingual video series featuring former Sri Lankan cricket superstar, Kumar Sangakkara, was also launched.

By registering their business with the SLTDA, informal businesses can receive assistance, while also help to promote the island nation as a safe travel destination. Amongst the other initiatives that are in place is the certification of accommodation providers as being “Safe & Secure” if strict hygiene and health measures have been adopted. Examples include Heritance Tea Factory, an ideal choice for travellers in search of a tea factory hotel, Nuwara Eliya has to offer. More information regarding SLTDA registration can be found at www.sltda.gov.lk