New Delhi: Sri Lanka has sought India's assistance in developing the island's tourism sector. Lanka's Tourism Minister Milinda Moragoda who called on Indian Minister of Tourism and Culture Ambika Soni here today said that his country is keen on particip- ating in Travel Marts like the forthcoming Great Indian Travel Bazar in Jaipur in April this year as it has a pan-Asian dimension. He also acknowledged that India ha established a benchmark in the promotion of tourism sector in the world with its Incredible India campaign. The visiting minister also wanted to exchange ideas with India on the security scenario with respect to tourism sector.

     India has taken several steps to meet the challenges to tourism posed by the global meltdown and terror attacks. Soni said hotel associations have come out with their own security guidelines in India after the Mumbai terrorist attack and the Government is providing them necessary assistance. Sri Lanka is involving the private sector in tourism related activities and wants to develop new tourism related products to attract more tourists. In India, Soni said, tourism is an economic driver from which the Centre as well as the State Governments are benefiting. She said India is developing 22 mega destinations to provide a complete experience for tourists.
- Jan 14, 2009