SLTPB in joint promotion talks with Tourism Maldives
Given that the Maldives is already in the label as a fashion destination, Sri Lanka Tourism is in discussion with Maldives Tourism to share itineraries that will help Sri Lanka boost its imagery in the markets such as Italy. These discussions took place on the sidelines of Arabian Travel Mart (ATM) in Dubai with the Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) Chairman Mohamed Khaleel.
“This will include itinerary sharing between Sri Lanka and the Maldives and we will begin with the partnership signed in Italy where the US $ 1.3 million charter can be used to bring in this new imagery,” said Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau (SLTPB) Chairman Rohantha Athukorala.
For instance, the 21,000 visitors attracted last year must be increased to 30,000 plus and the multimedia marketing campaign that will be launched around the TTG Fair to be staged in September this year will be used to bring in this new positioning to tourism Sri Lanka.
“The good news is that the delivery of this promise is already agreed with the product going through up gradation that includes Italian cuisine and Italian animators. We want to use this as a case study to develop other key markets. Innovation is the hinge for success in today’s competitive world,” he said.
Another area discussed was the blue print of SAARC of South Asia having a common visa similar to the Schengen and the promotional spin off such a policy can bring to tourism promotions. At ATM there was an announcement for GCC countries that a common visa will be launched to the Arab countries later the year. Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman, will open the door not only to the Arab world but also to 35 foreign nationals. GCC is estimated to attract over 33 million outbound trips and worth around US $ 100 billion.