Sri Lanka, Maldives to sign MoU on tourism

Shirajiv Sirimane in the Maldives

Sri Lanka and the Maldives would sign a joint MoU to market the two countries as one destination for tourism. Maldives Minister of Economic Development speaking to Daily News at the opening ceremony of the 8th Hotel Asia Exhibition here, said that the long proposed MoU was now very much on the table now. “Talks in this regard were followed up with Maldivian Minister of Tourism Ahamed Mohamed and Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa recently in Colombo.”

He said that the idea was to promote beaches and diving in Maldives, while promoting culture and other activities in Sri Lanka. He said that the move would help increase arrivals to both countries and the ‘tourists’ would get more value for their money. He said that tourism played and important role for the Maldives economy contributing 30 % to the GDP, accounting to over 50 % of the government revenue and providing employment to over 25 % of the Maldivians.

“We are looking at new strategies to market tourism and are looking at the one million arrival market this year.” He said that they would also look at putting forward a proposal to woo foreign investors for both countries.

“This too would be a joint exercise.” He also disclosed that plans were underway to increase Maldivian Airline frequencies to Colombo, Mumbai and Decca and a new A 320 aircraft would be acquired this October. Commenting on the three day 8th edition of Hotel Asia 2012 Exhibition & International Culinary Challenge at the Dharubaaruge Exhibition Hall, he said that it had now become the largest gathering of the hospitality industry in the Maldives. “It is also one of the most looked forward to events of the Nation.”

The event organized by the Maldives Exhibition & Conference Services (MECS), saw an influx of the hospitality sector service providers spanning 40 different countries across the globe with around 200 participants.

Imran Hassan, Director LECS, believes that this year’s event would break new grounds in the Maldives hospitality industry. He said that when they started the event with just 16 stalls, it was the first international exhibition ever hosted by the Maldives and was the trend setter for 10 additional events to come up.“The culinary challenge had also drawn many of the top resorts and chefs making it on par with many world class events,” he said. The Culinary Challenge which is one of the main attractions of the event, would witness around 400 competitors vying for the coveted honours representing over 40 resorts.

“We have new resorts participating, including many world renowned chains and this would provide the best opportunity to showcase their skills and competency,” said Project Director of the Culinary Challenge and world renowned chef Alan Palmer.