Nepal- Sri Lanka MoU for tourism promotion
Colombo : Hotel associations of Nepal and Sri Lanka have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the promotion of tourism in both countries.HAN PresidentShyam Sundar Lal Kakshyapati and Anupa Lokuhepi from Sri Lanka signed the MoU on behalf of their respective countries.
After signing the MoU, President of Hotel Association Nepal Kakshyapati said though Nepal-Sri Lanka diplomatic relations were established 55 years ago, the economic sector has not exchanged any substantial cooperation.He also expressed confidence that mutual relations between the two countries would be further enhanced through tourism in the coming days.He further said that direct flight connectivity between the two countries would help bring Sri Lankan tourists to Nepal, thereby strengthening cultural and religious relations besides economic ties.
Chairmen of Hotel Association Sri Lanka Anura Lokuhetti said it was a historic achievement to sign a deal for the promotion of tourism from the private sector.There is huge potential to attract a large number of tourists from other countries by developing a trip package incorporating Nepal’s mountains and Sri Lanka’s seas, he said.
According to a press statement issued by HAN, Lokuhepi termed the signing of MoU a “historical achievement”. He also pointed out the possibility of preparing a single package including the seas of Sri Lanka and mountains of Nepal to attract tourists from third countries.Nearly 70,000 Sri Lankan tourists visit Nepal every year. Of them, 80 percent visit the birthplace of Lord Buddha in Lumbini.
