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NATIONAL CONTRIBUTION REPORT
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Axiata Group Berhad | Sustainability & National Contribution Report 2016
Figure 5: Total employment impact
2016
Figure 6: Direct Contribution of Travel and Tourism to GDP
3,269
25,165
611
24,485
Directly
employed
Operations -
indirectly
supported
Outsourced
Supported
by capital
investment
6%
47%
46%
53,531
Jobs
supported
1%
Talent Development
Dialog provided 3,269 direct jobs in 2016
of which 99.8% of the positions were
staffed by Sri Lankan citizens (see Figure
5). About 21% of Dialog employees were
women. During the year, Dialog engaged
611 new graduates, apprentices and interns
as part of its goal to provide young people
with specialist skills required in the digital
economy. Dialog also indirectly supported
an additional 25,200 jobs through its
operations, and a further 24,500 jobs
through its capital investments.
Tourism
Tourism - An important contributor to the
economy
The Tourism Development Strategy of the
Sri Lankan Government aims to position
the country as a model tourist destination
backed by bio diversity, culture, historical
artifacts, beaches, a green environment
and friendly people. The Government
has set a target of attracting four million
tourists by 2020.
The sector contributed 4.8% directly
to GDP and provided 4.3% of total
employment in 2014. The total contribution
from travel and tourism to GDP was 11.1% in
2014 and is set to comprise 10.5% of GDP
in 2025 (see Figure 6).
ICT helps attract prospective tourists
To attract prospective tourists, well-
crafted communication strategies using
ICT and the internet as tools of international
communication are needed.
In November 2016, the Sri Lanka Tourism
Development Authority launched an
online registration platform for businesses
involved in the tourism industry, a move
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
2012 2013 2014 2015
Forecast
4.8%
4.5%
2025
aimed at easing the process of registration
and tax payment.
The Authority is also looking to establish
kiosks with tablet PCs at some of the
airports so departing passengers can
complete tourist departure surveys, in an
effort to formalise the tourism sector.
To support the growth of tourism in Sri
Lanka, Dialog offers the best Tourist Mobile
Plans to help tourists stay connected
when travelling in the country, providing
competitive call and data plans which
have proved immensely popular amongst
travellers. In addition, together with its
valued business partners in the hospitality
sector, Dialog offers a host of connectivity
solutions including mobile, high-speed
broadband, fibre optics and digital
satellite entertainment via customised and
competitive delivery channels to enhance
the Sri Lankan experience for travellers.
The majority of Sri Lanka’s city and resort
hotels are connected by Dialog with
highly-specialised services. The company
has also supported the setup of free wifi
connectivity at several public and tourist
locations together with the Government
and the Tourism Development Authority
to enhance connectivity and access to
information.
Source: Travel and Tourism Economic Impact 2015: Sri Lanka, World Travel and Tourism Council
In Support of the National Agenda
Tourism and SMEs, identified as priorities
under the Sri Lankan Government’s
National Agenda, are areas that stand
to benefit significantly from the growth
of mobile connectivity and the use of
digital technology. These areas represent
opportunities for Dialog to play a role in
advancing Sri Lanka’s national goals and to
contribute to society. The following section
provides an overview of these national
priorities and Dialog’s contribution towards
them.
NATIONAL CONTRIBUTION
REPORT