SAARC Tourism Ministers' meeting in Colombo

SAARC Tourism Ministers' meeting organised by the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and the Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sri Lanka (FCCISL) will be held on July 29, at Hotel Taj Samudra, Colombo with the collaboration of Government authorities and private sector organisations related to travel and tourism industry.

According to SCCI President Macky Hashim, it was decided by the heads of the seven SAARC governments at the twelfth SAARC summit held in Islamabad in January 2004 to declare 2005 as the South Asian Tourism Year.

"The purpose of this important move was the development of tourism in South Asia to bring about economic, social and cultural dividends to the region. There is a growing need for increasing co-operation to jointly promote tourism within South Asia as well as to promote South Asia as a tourist destination," he said.

Sri Lanka has the honour of holding the office of SCCI President and has formulated a comprehensive activity plan to enhance the objectives of the SCCI and its council to improve Tourism in Sri Lanka and in the SAARC region.

The Tourism Ministers from SAARC countries will arrive in Colombo end of July, travel agents, in-bound and out-bound tour operators, hoteliers, travel related and travel allied organisations from SAARC countries would also participate in the event.

A stamp and picture postcard would also be launched to Commemorate South Asia Tourism Year at this meeting. 'One to one business meeting sessions, for travel agents, tour operators, hoteliers in the region will also be held.

Minister of Tourism, Anura Bandaranaike, will be the chief guest at "SAARC Tourism Ministers' meeting".