Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators

The Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) is the apex body for the inbound tourism industry in Sri Lanka. SLAITO has been the most influential institution in terms of guiding policy makers in Sri Lanka to overcome the challenges faced by the industry. The objective of SLAITO is to represent the interests of all stakeholders and to ensure that Sri Lanka takes its rightful place in the global tourism community. This non-profit association was inaugurated in 1975 by several Destination Management Companies (DMC’s) to be the voice of the inbound tourism industry in Sri Lanka. Formally known as the Association of Group Tour Agents (AGTA), was later reconstituted as SLAITO in 2002. The membership of SLAITO amounts to 178 Fully-fledged Members and 53 Associate Members at present while over 95% of them are from the small and medium sector. SLAITO plays a vital role in all significant private sector decision-making forums and is affiliated to The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. This is the only Association recognized by the tourism act that represents the inbound tourism sector. At present, a significant majority of tourists to Sri Lanka are handled by the SLAITO membership.