Who is this category for?

This category is generally relevant to businesses operating hotel accommodation for tourists.

Hotels may provide guest rooms together with facilities such as restaurants, swimming pools, conference facilities and other guest services.

What should a hotel operator consider?

• Nature and scale of accommodation facilities
• Number and type of rooms
• Building and property documentation
• Business registration
• Health and safety requirements
• Fire and other relevant approvals where applicable
• Food and beverage facilities where applicable
• SLTDA inspection and applicable standards

Hotels may also fall into different classifications, including classified and unclassified hotel categories.

Planning to open a hotel? Contact MAPA Corporate Services before submitting your SLTDA application so that your business structure and documentation can be reviewed first.

📞 070 286 1981 | 📧 mapacorporateservices@gmail.com

Who is this category for?

Boutique hotels and villas generally focus on personalized accommodation, distinctive design, privacy and higher-end guest experiences.

SLTDA separately recognizes Boutique Hotels and Boutique Villas within its tourism registration framework. The current SLTDA information notes that the guidelines for Boutique Hotels and Boutique Villas are the same, while Boutique Villas must have a minimum of five rooms.

Examples

• Luxury boutique properties
• Design-focused accommodation
• Private villa-style tourist accommodation
• Small premium accommodation properties

If you are developing a villa or boutique property, choosing the correct SLTDA category at the beginning can help avoid unnecessary application corrections.

Need help with your boutique hotel or villa registration?
Contact MAPA Corporate Services on 070 286 1981.

Who is this category for?

Guest houses providing accommodation to tourists may fall under the SLTDA Guest House registration category.

This is particularly relevant to smaller accommodation businesses that do not operate as conventional large hotels.

Before applying

• Confirm the appropriate SLTDA accommodation category.
• Ensure the property documentation is available.
• Prepare business registration documents where applicable.
• Review the applicable SLTDA standards and checklist.
• Prepare the premises for inspection where required.

Do not assume that a property described as a “villa”, “guest house” or “homestay” automatically belongs to one particular category. The actual nature of the operation should be considered.

Let MAPA help you determine the appropriate category before you apply.

📞 070 286 1981
📧 mapacorporateservices@gmail.com

What is a Home Stay?

A Home Stay business provides tourists with accommodation within or associated with a residential property, generally offering a more local and personal tourism experience.

SLTDA specifically lists Home Stay Units among its accommodation registration categories.

Suitable for

• Property owners hosting tourists
• Families providing accommodation to visitors
• Small-scale tourism accommodation operators
• Residential properties converted partly for tourist accommodation

If you are considering turning your home or residential property into a tourism business, it is important to determine whether the Home Stay category or another accommodation category is appropriate.

Contact MAPA Corporate Services before commencing the registration process.

Bungalows used as tourist accommodation can fall under SLTDA’s accommodation registration framework.

This can be relevant to owners operating standalone properties as tourist accommodation, particularly properties marketed as holiday bungalows.

The applicable requirements can depend on the property, facilities and manner in which the accommodation is operated.

Want to register your holiday bungalow? Send us details of the property and proposed business model and we can help you identify the appropriate SLTDA category.

📞 070 286 1981

SLTDA recognizes Heritage Bungalows as a separate tourism accommodation category.

This category can be relevant to properties with heritage characteristics that are operated as tourist accommodation.

If your property has historical or heritage features, do not automatically register it as an ordinary guest house or bungalow without first checking the applicable SLTDA category.

Need help selecting the correct category? Contact MAPA Corporate Services for guidance before submitting your application.

Heritage Homes are another accommodation category listed by SLTDA.

If you own or operate a property with heritage characteristics and intend to provide tourist accommodation, this category may need to be considered.

The appropriate classification should be assessed based on the actual property and tourism operation.

MAPA Corporate Services can help you review the proposed operation and determine the appropriate registration route.

SLTDA also lists Rented Homes as a tourism accommodation category.

This may be relevant where a property is rented or operated for tourist accommodation purposes.

Property owners and operators should check the applicable SLTDA requirements before advertising or operating the property as a tourism establishment.

Planning to rent out a property to tourists?
Speak to MAPA Corporate Services first.

SLTDA recognizes Rented Apartments within its accommodation registration framework.

This can be particularly relevant to owners or operators providing apartments to tourists on a short-term accommodation basis.

Before applying

• Confirm whether the property falls under Rented Apartments or another accommodation category.
• Check ownership or tenancy documentation.
• Review the relevant SLTDA requirements.
• Prepare business documentation.
• Check any other approvals that may apply to the property.

Do not wait until your application is rejected to obtain professional assistance.

Contact MAPA Corporate Services on 070 286 1981 for assistance.

Serviced Apartments are separately recognized within the SLTDA accommodation registration framework.

These properties generally combine apartment-style accommodation with services or facilities expected by tourists.

If you operate multiple serviced units or a professionally managed apartment accommodation business, it is important to determine the correct SLTDA category before applying.

Contact us for assistance with your proposed serviced apartment project.

SLTDA lists Hostel Accommodation as a registration category.

This can be relevant to businesses providing tourist-oriented hostel accommodation, particularly properties designed for budget travellers and group accommodation.

The exact requirements should be checked against the current SLTDA guidelines and applicable standards.

Need assistance? MAPA Corporate Services can help you identify the registration category and prepare for the application process.

Businesses providing accommodation and tourism experiences centred around Ayurveda may fall within the Ayurvedic Hotel category.

This is different from simply operating an ordinary hotel that happens to offer an Ayurvedic treatment.

If Ayurveda is a major component of your tourism business model, it is important to review the specific SLTDA category and applicable standards.

Planning an Ayurvedic tourism business in Sri Lanka?
Talk to MAPA Corporate Services before making your application.

SLTDA also lists Ayurvedic Healthcare Centres among its tourism-related registration categories.

This can be relevant to establishments providing Ayurveda-focused healthcare and wellness experiences to tourists.

Depending on the nature of the services, other regulatory requirements may also apply. Therefore, operators should assess the complete regulatory position rather than relying solely on SLTDA registration.

Contact MAPA Corporate Services to discuss your proposed Ayurvedic tourism operation.

Restaurants serving tourists can fall under SLTDA’s tourism-related restaurant registration framework.

This is particularly important for establishments that are positioning themselves as tourism businesses rather than simply operating as ordinary local restaurants.

Examples

• Restaurants targeting international tourists
• Restaurants located within tourism properties
• Restaurants marketed as tourism experiences
• Speciality restaurants serving tourist destinations

The exact requirements depend on the applicable SLTDA category and standards.

Opening a tourist-oriented restaurant? Contact MAPA Corporate Services before applying so we can help you understand the registration requirements.

SLTDA separately lists Tourist Friendly Eating Places.

This category can be relevant to smaller or different types of food establishments serving tourists but not necessarily operating as conventional tourist restaurants.

If you are unsure whether your business should apply as a Restaurant or Tourist Friendly Eating Place, it is better to clarify the category before submitting the application.

Let MAPA Corporate Services help you identify the suitable category.

Wellness tourism is an important part of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, and SLTDA lists Spa & Wellness Centres among its registration categories.

This may apply to tourism-focused spas and wellness establishments offering services to visitors.

Potential businesses include

• Tourist spas
• Wellness centres
• Holistic wellness facilities
• Tourism-focused relaxation and wellness businesses

Other sector-specific approvals may apply depending on the services offered.

Planning to open a wellness centre for tourists? Contact MAPA Corporate Services before you begin the SLTDA application.

SLTDA’s current registration information also includes the Mindful & Spiritual Segment of Wellness Tourism.

This includes concepts such as:

• Mindful and Spiritual Centres
• Mindful and Spiritual Retreats

A centre may provide activities such as yoga, meditation, nutrition counselling, spiritual programmes and other wellness experiences. A retreat may combine structured wellness programmes with on-site accommodation.

If your business combines wellness, spirituality, retreats and accommodation, the correct category should be assessed carefully.

Talk to MAPA Corporate Services before submitting your application.

SLTDA’s registration information includes Spice Gardens as a tourism-related category.

This may be relevant to businesses operating spice gardens as tourist attractions or tourism experiences.

If your business involves guided visits, demonstrations, sales of products and other tourism activities, you should review the applicable SLTDA requirements.

Want to develop your spice garden as a tourism business? Contact MAPA Corporate Services for registration guidance.

SLTDA recognizes Tourist Shops within its registration framework.

This can be relevant to businesses selling products primarily to tourists, particularly shops located in tourism destinations or offering products intended as souvenirs and visitor purchases.

Examples may include

• Souvenir shops
• Tourism-focused retail outlets
• Shops selling Sri Lankan products to tourists
• Speciality tourism retail businesses

Running a shop targeting international tourists? Check whether SLTDA registration applies to your business before commencing operations.

MAPA Corporate Services can assist you with the registration process.

SLTDA also provides registration arrangements for businesses involved in Handicrafts, Batik, Gem & Jewellery activities.

This is particularly relevant to businesses selling Sri Lankan products and traditional or speciality items to tourists.

If your business combines manufacturing, retail and tourist sales, it is important to understand the appropriate category and any additional regulatory requirements.

Need assistance with tourism-related retail registration?
Contact MAPA Corporate Services:

📞 070 286 1981
📧 mapacorporateservices@gmail.com

Adventure tourism businesses require particular attention because safety, equipment, qualified personnel and operational standards can be important components of the registration process.

SLTDA’s current information includes adventure activities such as:

• Caving Expeditions
• High Rope Activities
• Leisure Cycling and Mountain Biking
• Rock Climbing
• Abseiling
• Rappelling

Other adventure activities may have their own guidelines and documentation requirements.

Why professional preparation matters

Adventure tourism applications may require more than simply submitting a company registration certificate. The nature of the activity, safety arrangements, equipment, qualified personnel, site arrangements and supporting documents may need to be considered.

Planning an adventure tourism business? Contact MAPA Corporate Services before preparing your application.

SLTDA lists Water Sports Centres among its tourism registration categories.

This may cover tourism businesses offering water-based recreational activities.

Because water sports can involve specific safety and operational considerations, applicants should review the current SLTDA requirements applicable to the particular activity.

Do not assume that every water-based activity uses the same registration requirements.

Contact MAPA Corporate Services and explain your proposed activities so we can help you identify the appropriate registration route.

Camping Sites are included in SLTDA’s tourism registration categories.

This may be relevant to businesses developing dedicated camping facilities for tourists.

Potential considerations

• Location and land use
• Guest facilities
• Sanitation facilities
• Safety arrangements
• Environmental considerations
• Business registration
• SLTDA requirements and inspection

If you are developing a camping tourism business, obtain advice before investing heavily in the site or facilities.

Contact MAPA Corporate Services for assistance with your proposed SLTDA registration.

SLTDA also recognizes Eco Lodges as a tourism accommodation category.

This can be relevant to tourism accommodation designed around environmental, nature-based or sustainable tourism concepts.

If your proposed property is located in a sensitive environmental area, additional approvals or requirements may apply beyond SLTDA registration.

Planning an eco lodge? Contact MAPA Corporate Services early in the planning process so the registration and compliance requirements can be considered before operations begin.

SLTDA’s current registration information also recognizes certain Tourism Apps and digital platforms.

A tourism app may provide tourists with services such as:

• Travel information
• Maps
• Attraction information
• Accommodation booking
• Restaurant recommendations
• Tourism-related transactions

SLTDA states that tourism apps facilitating tourists visiting Sri Lanka must meet specified requirements, including having a 100% Sri Lankan-owned legal entity.

If you are developing a digital tourism platform, this is a category that should not be overlooked.

Building a tourism technology business? Contact MAPA Corporate Services before launching your platform to understand the relevant business and regulatory requirements.

The requirement depends on the nature of the tourism business and the applicable SLTDA regulatory framework. If your business provides tourism accommodation, tourism services or tourism-related activities, you should check the relevant SLTDA category before commencing operations.

No. SLTDA’s registration framework covers many tourism businesses, including accommodation establishments, restaurants, wellness businesses, tourist shops, adventure tourism, water sports, camping sites and eco lodges.

Yes. SLTDA has specific accommodation categories that may apply to villas, including Boutique Villas. However, the appropriate category depends on the nature and facilities of the property.

Yes. Guest Houses are among the accommodation categories recognized by SLTDA.

SLTDA specifically lists Home Stay Units as a tourism accommodation category. The applicable requirements should be checked before commencing the tourism operation.

SLTDA lists Rented Apartments and Serviced Apartments among its tourism accommodation categories. The correct category depends on the actual business model and services provided.

SLTDA lists Spa & Wellness Centres as a tourism-related registration category. Other regulatory requirements may also apply depending on the services offered.

Adventure tourism is included in SLTDA’s registration framework, with specific guidelines for certain activities.

Camping Sites are listed among SLTDA’s tourism registration categories.

MAPA Corporate Services can assist you in understanding your proposed tourism business, identifying the appropriate registration category, preparing documents and guiding you through the application process.

Call or WhatsApp 070 286 1981.