Travel / Lifestyle

Tourism a good platform to strengthen FTA - Nirupama Rao

by Lalin Fernandopulle

India recorded 3.3 million tourist arrivals in 2005. Sri Lanka had 500,000 tourist arrivals. This is low compared to Singapore and Malaysia which records over 7.5 million and 11.5 million tourist arrivals per year. With a vibrant and dynamic economic and political environment in the region there is enormous potential for growth in tourism which needs to be tapped, High Commissioner for India, Nirupama Rao said.

Addressing the 'Hotel Show 2006' organised by the Ceylon Hotel School Graduates Association (CHSGA) in Colombo she said tourism unites and integrates the world. It is a binding force that unites countries across regions and continents. It is time that we exploit the unique opportunity offered by tourism to strengthen multilateral and bilateral relations which is the way forward to bring peace and harmony to nations.

Sri Lanka and India which share a common history with similar socio-cultural and political aspects has an excellent opportunity to build a more interacting and sharing culture through tourism, Rao said. Tourism is an opening for South East Asia to better integrate and interact. The hospitality industry is an impetus to the region to strengthen GDP growth rates and develop the economies.

Rao said it is vital to develop industries, communication facilities and infrastructure in the region. Tourism will provide a good platform to develop regional trade and strengthen Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). The FTA between Sri Lanka and India is a boost to build all sectors in both countries.

The travel services between both countries will be further improved with the introduction of the ferry service. The security situation in the country will be a key factor to ensure this, she said.

Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Dr. P. Ramanujam said the hospitality industry which plays a vital role in the country's economic development has to be developed. The equipment and facilities in the industry need to be upgraded so that the traveller could enjoy a pleasant stay.

Sri Lanka's tourism which aims at the high end market will definitely benefit from the Hotel Show which is an international event with the participation of India, Pakistan, Maldives, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia and the Middle East. The participation of neighbouring countries will strengthen our effort to make Sri Lanka the gateway to South Asia, he said.

Chairman, Tourist Board, Udaya Nanayakkara said the hospitality industry is the largest and fastest growing industry in the world. In Sri Lanka it generates over US $ 350 million annually. It has made substantial progress over the years and plays a pivotal role in the growth of the economy.

President (CHSGA) Trevine Gomez said this is an opportune time to hold a show of this nature as the investor interest in the hospitality industry is at its prime and the commitment by hoteliers to upgrade properties and services are overwhelming.

Emirates signs for 10 Boeing 747-8 freighters worth $ 3.3b

Emirates has signed a Heads of Agreement for 10 of Boeing's new 747-8F aircraft, to be powered by General Electric's GEnx jet engines, in a deal worth US$ 3.3 billion.

The Heads of Agreement was signed at the Farnborough Airshow in the United Kingdom by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, and Alan Mulally, Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and Chief Executive Officer.

The engine component of this deal is valued at more than US$600 million. Sheikh Ahmed and GE Aviation's President and CEO Scott Donnelly, also signed a Letter of Intent for 45 GEnx jet engines to power the new aircraft ordered.

The 10 747-8F aircraft, scheduled for delivery from 2010, will support Emirates' long-term growth plans by providing additional capacity and operational flexibility for its air cargo services