ADB support sought to strengthen tourism SMEs — ASMET
ADB support sought to strengthen tourism SMEs — ASMET
The Association of Small and Medium Enterprises in Tourism (ASMET) has submitted detailed proposals to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) seeking capacity-building support for tourism SMEs.
“This was an important step toward helping our members grow stronger and more sustainable,” said Prebudda Jayasinghe, who was unanimously elected President of ASMET at the Association’s 9th Annual General Meeting yesterday.
He noted that ASMET collaborated with the UNDP Sustainability Certification Programe, enabling 26 member enterprises to earn the Good Travel Seal, a milestone that enhances their credibility in global markets.
“We have been actively involved in key issues such as the Minimum Room Rate, visa facilitation, and fair regulation — ensuring that the SME voice is heard clearly at the national level,” Jayasinghe said. “We also lobbied for vehicle import concessions for registered tourism operators.”
ASMET has engaged with Airport and Aviation Services to improve tourist facilities and signed an MoU with the ASR Alliance in Germany, creating new international B2B opportunities for members.
Reaffirming the Association’s core philosophy, Jayasinghe added, “We firmly believe in the principle of One Industry, One Voice. It is through unity, not competition, that we can move forward and strengthen Sri Lanka’s position in global tourism, building a brighter future for all.”
