By IANS,
New Delhi : Sri Lanka Wednesday sought India’s help in strengthening tourism to meet the challenges posed by the global meltdown.
The issue was discussed in a meeting between Tourism Minister Ambika Soni and her Sri Lankan counterpart Milinda Moragoda, who also expressed keenness to participate in the travel marts organised by India, including the Great Indian Travel Bazar to be held in April.
Praising India’s efforts against terrorism in the wake of the Mumbai terrorist attacks, Moragoda said his country would like to exchange ideas with India on security aspects relating to the tourism sector.
During their 40-minute meeting, he also urged Soni to provide expert help to Sri Lanka in strengthening the tourism sector and said the island nation wants to learn from India how tourism related issues are dealt at both the state and the community level.
“Sri Lanka is involving the private sector in tourism related activities and wants to develop new tourism related products to attract more tourists,” a statement issued by the Indian tourism ministry quoted him as saying.
He said India is a magnet and has established a benchmark in promotion of tourism in the world with its Incredible India campaign.
“Any effort to take the lead in promoting tourism related cooperation by India will be supported by Sri Lanka,” the visiting minister said.
Soni said the Indian government as well as her ministry were taking several steps to meet the challenges posed by the global meltdown and the Nov 26 terror attacks.
“Hotel associations have come out with their own security guidelines in India after the Mumbai terrorist attacks and the government is providing them whatever assistance is necessary,” she said.
The two ministers also discussed matters of cooperation in tourism between the two sides.