Sri Lanka Tourism in joint promotion talks with Maldives Tourism

Tuesday, 19 May 2015 00:06 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

“Given that Maldives is already in the label as a fashion destination, positioning Sri Lanka Tourism is in discussion with Maldives Tourism to share intermarries that will help Sri Lanka boost its imagery in the markets such as Italy,” said Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau Chairman Rohantha Athukorala.

This discussion took place in the sidelines of Arabian Travel Mart on Dubai with Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) Chairman Mohamed Khaleel.

“This will include intermarry sharing between Sri Lanka and Maldives and we will begin with the partnership signed in Italy where the $ 1.3 million charter can be used to bring in this new imagery. For instance the 21,000 visitors attracted last year must be increased to 30,000 plus and the multimedia marketing campaign that will be launched around the TTG Fair to be staged in September this year will be used to bring in this new positioning to tourism Sri Lanka,” said Athukorala.

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Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) Chairman Mohamed Khaleel with Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau Chairman Rohantha Athukorala

“The good news is that the delivery of this promise is already agreed on, with the product going through up gradation that includes Italian cuisine and Italian animators. We want to use this as a case study to develop other key markets. Innovation is the hinge for success in today’s competitive world,” he said.

Another area discussed was on the discussion point on the blue print of SAARC of South Asia having a common visa similar to the Schengen and the promotional spin off such a policy can bring to Tourism promotions. At ATM there was an announcement that GCC countries will be launching a common visa to the Arab countries later during the year. Apparently Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman will open the door not only to the Arab world but also to 35 foreign nationals. GCC is estimated to attract over 33 million outbound trips and worth around $ 100 billion.

“If we can do the preliminary work from a tourism promotional it can support from the relevant line ministry to take it forward at forums like SAARC for decision making. We have to look at out of the job ways to drive tourism,” commented Athukorala.