No. PR- 234
February 24, 2021
New Delhi
Sri Lanka has unlimited Potential & Resources in promoting it as Travel Destinations for Indians
Sri Lanka has unlimited potential and resources in promoting it as travel destinations for Indians, emphasized Mr. S. Hettiarachchi, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of Sri Lanka in the session organized by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry on ‘The New Paradigm in India- Sri Lanka Tourism Post Covid 19’
Mr. S. Hettiarachchi, while giving an overview of the relationship shared between India and Sri Lanka, he mentioned that tourism sectors form a link between India and Sri Lanka. He discussed the schemes launched for promoting tourism between the nations leading to an increase in tourism. He further mentioned that sustainability is a key driver to preserve and conserve the islands and cultural heritage to safeguard the destination for people and visitors for the long term. As both the countries shared the sea route, the potential to develop tourism via sea can be considered. He informed that the bubble flight will soon start between India and Sri Lanka.
Ms. Rupinder Brar (IRS), Additional Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India mentioned that with bubble flight starting around the corner, Tourism between India and Sri Lanka will revive and foster people to people connect. She mentioned that with the government’s focus on infrastructure, tourism in India has become a better experience. We need to leverage the road trips and road travel that makes the journey very fascinated in a different way. India has immense varieties of textiles, food, and heritage sites.
Talking about India and Sri Lanka’s tourism, she deliberated that it’s interesting to see the high cultural integrity and connection between the two nations. While the last few months have been challenging due to real travel, a lot of new content and learning has come to understand and witness the tourist attractions in India.
Mr. Rajan Sehgal, Co-Chair, Tourism Committee, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry while sharing his industry perspective discussed the increase of tourism between the nations especially between the neighbours.
Mr. Pronab Sarkar, President, Indian Association of Tour Operators mentioned that tourism is an economic activity and without the movement of the tourist this economic activity is not possible. We need to think seriously on the matter and open tourism in the world at the earliest. India and Sri Lanka have a deep-rooted relationship and we need to look at the ease of doing visas. Both countries need to work together and try to open up.
Mr. Sanath Ukwatte, Chairman, The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka while giving an outlook about the hotel industry in Sri Lanka mentioned that We are looking at the Indian market very actively due to its connectivity. With the strong ties, both countries must work together in hand to hand to open up tourism.
Mr. Ravindran Veeraperumal, Regional Manager – India and Bangladesh, SriLankan Airlines mentioned that the airline is operating cargo flights from Sri Lanka and India. He mentioned that the airline is looking forward to bubble flights which will help to mobilize flights to Sri Lanka and review tourism between the countries.
Mr. Naveen Sardana, Chair, International Affairs Committee for South Asia, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry while proposing the vote of thanks to all the delegates and participants mentioned that the tourism sector’s contribution to the economy is pivotal for overall development as well as employment generation in the nation.
The session was moderated by Dr. Jatinder Singh, Director, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and was attended by many industry stalwarts around the world.
Ends
Media Division
PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry