Nepal-Lanka tie-up for tourism promotion

Hotel associations of Nepal and Sri Lanka have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the promotion of tourism in both countries.

After signing the MoU, Chairperson of Hotel Association Nepal Shyam Sundar Lal Kakshyapati said though Nepal-Sri Lanka diplomatic relations were established 55 years ago, the economic sector has not exchanged any substantial cooperation.He also expressed confidence that mutual relations between the two countries would be further enhanced through tourism in the coming days. 

He further said that direct flight connectivity between the two countries would help bring Sri Lankan tourists to Nepal, thereby strengthening cultural and religious relations besides economic ties.Chairmen of Hotel Association Sri Lanka Anura Lokuhetti said it was a historic achievement to sign a deal for the promotion of tourism from the private sector.

There is huge potential to attract a large number of tourists from other countries by developing a trip package incorporating Nepal’s mountains and Sri Lanka’s seas, he said. 

Also present on the occasion were tourism entrepreneurs of both countries.It is noted that around 70,000 tourists arrive in Nepal every year, of which almost 80 percent visit Lumbini.

- Himalayan Times