South Africa to assist Sri Lanka in unleashing tourism potential

Friday, 1 November 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Chamber of Tourism and Industry on Wednesday had a meeting with the High Commissioner for the Republic of South Africa Geoff Doidge to further strengthen the bilateral relationship between two countries in the tourism and industries sector. Whilst Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has been reviving with the end of the war, the High Commissioner said that South Africa was keen on helping Sri Lanka unleash its tourism potential.

The High Commissioner noted that whilst the tourism industry is very competitive, South Africa is in the process of negotiating several bilateral agreements with the Government of Sri Lanka including tourism. Promoting wildlife At the meeting representing the Chamber of Tourism and Industry, its President A.M. Jaufer welcomed the move taken by the High Commission after having discussions with Tourism Development Authority Chairman Bhashwara Gunarathna to send an 18-member Government-appointed technical committee to South Africa on a training program for branding and promoting national parks. Jaufer added the bold step of promoting the country’s wildlife tourism and training the Sri Lankan individuals was commendable. However, Jaufer pointed out that it would be also important to offer such opportunities to the private sector since the private sector plays a major role of the development of the tourism industry in Sri Lanka. Strong interest According to Doidge, several large South African companies in the leisure sector including Sun City Group, Legacy Hotels and Peermont Hotels have shown strong interest in investing in Sri Lanka and some discussions are ongoing. The High Commissioner also highlighted that it is important to introduce programs for transport sector such as cab companies, taxi services and tuk tuk communities in the country to create awareness on providing proper information for tourists. Exchange programs Jaufer added that the Chamber of Tourism and Industry would also take steps towards implementing exchange programs to share technical knowledge and skills between South Africa and Sri Lanka. Jaufer requested assistance from the High Commissioner for community development on small and medium sector development programs in the North and East Provinces. He also invited the High Commissioner to visit the North and East Provinces to witness the growth taking place in the region with the economic revival. The High Commissioner also agreed to assist the linking of the tourism related organisations in South Africa with the Chamber of Tourism and Industry. Geoff Doidge is also the South African High Commissioner for Nepal and accredited to Bangladesh and Maldives. Second Secretary (Political) Tebogo Teke and Trade Officer Dines Satchidanadan and Editor Tourismnews.lk Jit Wijayapura also participated at the meeting.