No endorsement by SLTDA for booking app

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has stated that they have not formally accepted any tourism app nor entered into any agreement with any private party to provide services for booking online and security related information on travel in Sri Lanka.

SLTDA Chairman Priyantha Fernando told the Business Times that they have not formally accepted any app nor have they entered into an MOU with any private party to provide booking and travel information services.

He noted that on the contrary one company had requested that they be allowed to go ahead with the establishment of a booking platform together with a security feature and for SLTDA to enter into an MOU until such time that the necessary criteria is ready.

Mr. Fernando however, noted they have not entered into an MOU with this particular company nor have they registered them as they are still drafting the required criteria.

The tourism industry has in the past been requesting authorities to establish relevant guidelines and criteria for booking platforms operating in the country to ensure that only registered places can be listed.

The SLTDA is now drawing out these guidelines that are likely to be gazetted in a month’s time and ensure that only SLTDA registered service providers can be advertised on any online booking platform.

Industry sources point out that the authorities had wanted to develop an app highlighting the security related travel information for any tourist to ensure their safety when touring the country.

In this respect, they were told that about four apps will be presented to them as developed by four companies. But a week later after this announcement was made they were informed that there is one app to be presented by one company.

SLAITO, it is learnt, is said to have informed the Minister in charge that while they have no objection to any company operating a booking platform they are opposed to giving exclusive endorsement of its app by SLTDA that will be disadvantageous to other similar platforms.