Allocates land areas designated for this purpose:

Pakistan beckons Lankan tourism companies

Hathoon SHERIFFDEEN

The Pakistan Government has allocated land to promote tourism in both countries, through joint ventures with the companies involved in tourism.

Deputy Minister of Tourism, Faiszer Musthapha at the meeting with officials from the tourism industry in Sri Lanka and the Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan said companies in the tourism were invited to expand their businesses by entering the Pakistan tourism market.

The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation has allocated land areas designated for this purpose. Eight Pakistani companies have consented to work with Sri Lankan companies as joint ventures to promote tourism in Pakistan, he said.

Last month’s record show that 10,000 travellers have arrived from Pakistan to Sri Lanka by three flights per week. This shows that the Sri Lanka has potential to attract Pakistani travellers. “We should take action to promote our country and the facilities we have, he said.

As per the bi-lateral agreement, five flights from Pakistan arrive in Sri Lanka per week. We can facilitate Pakistanis to travel to Colombo and experience the country at the same time. We also encourage hoteliers and professionals in the fashion sector to promote their businesses, Musthapha said.

“We have also given scholarships to 10 Pakistani candidates to learn hospitality at the Sri Lanka Hotel Management School.

This will promote our income earned from Pakistan”, he said. “We have made easy to obtain visas to Pakistan through our High Commission now. Tourism sights and shopping are much attractive in Pakistan. We can also concentrate on trade facilities available in both countries and promote highly.

We will consider promoting pilgrims to Pakistan in future”, Deputy High Commissioner, Dr. Fazal-ur-Rahman Kazi said.