Lanka, Maldives mull joint tour packages

Sri Lanka is mulling joint tour packages with the Maldives in the wake of Expo 2012’s successful tourist draw. “Combining Maldives’ ocean gateway and attractive beaches with Sri Lanka’s diverse, multifaceted inland tourism can lead to mutual benefits for both countries. Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen apprised Minister of Economic Development of the Maldives Ahmed Mohamed about this new venture.

The Maldives reported a record number of tourist arrivals in 2010 while Sri Lanka’s tourist numbers in 2011 stood at 855,975. In February 2012 alone 83,549 tourists arrived in Sri Lanka registering a 27 percent increase in comparison to February 2011, of which 3129 came from the Maldives.

According to the Department of Commerce, the Maldives is the third largest trading partner of Sri Lanka among the SAARC countries, after India and Pakistan The value of total trade between the two countries stood at $ 50.6 m in 2010.

“Sri Lanka tourism has risen to new levels. As I am given to understand, the Maldives too is reporting record tourist numbers in 2010 and ‘11. I believe that the time has come for both countries to exploit the tourism boom through joint efforts which can boost tourism industries at both ends in a significant way. I suggest that we jointly promote combined tourist packages using the Maldives’ ocean gateway and the attractive beaches with Sri Lanka’s diverse, multifaceted inland tourism so that both countries can gain from this venture”, Minister Bathiudeen said.

Responding to Minister Bathiudeen, Minister Ahamed said: “Yes, I agree that we can increase our mutual gains by a joint approach to this industry. I too think that time is now ripe for joint tour packages for foreign tourists given that our attractions are complementary.”