SAARC nations have come together to implement an action plan to promote inter-regional tourism and revive the industry.
At the inauguration of the third meeting of the SAARC working group on tourism held in Colombo this week, Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism in Sri Lanka, George Michael said there has been a decline in tourism in 2008 and that decreasing numbers to destinations are alarming.
He added that travel within the region must be encouraged in the short term to combat the reduced number of visitors and that there is a need to progress on part with competitors in other regions. Mr. Michael said the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has forecasted growth in the industry to stay flat in 2009. Mr. Michael said Sri Lanka Tourism is about to launch a new brand and has been focused on promoting activity based holidays. Programmes have also been lined up for India, Pakistan and the Maldives. He said the private sector needs to take a greater role with the Ministry acting as the facilitator.
Director of the SAARC Secretariat Ghulam Dastgir said tourism promotion is important for socio-economic development. Important steps are being taken for tourism promotion in the region. Mr. Dastgir said the full potential of tourism remains untapped. There are still visa restrictions, lack of development in capital cities in the region and there is a need for increased private sector participation and packages from tour operators.
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