KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 21
More than 150 tour and travel agents from Sri Lanka arrived in Kathmandu to send a message to the world that Nepal is safe for tourism in the aftermath of the devastating Bhote Koshi floods.
Senior representatives of the Travel Agents Association of Sri Lanka (TAASL) and the IATA Agents Association of Sri Lanka (IAASL) chose Nepal as the destination for their respective annual general meetings.
"More than 150 senior executives from Sri Lanka's travel and tour industry, representing TAASL and IAASL, are here in Kathmandu not only to hold our annual general meetings but also, more importantly, to stand with Nepal in this hour of grief," said Sonali Ranasinghe, the first female president of TAASL.
As a neighbouring country, Sri Lanka has always stood with Nepal, having also faced numerous natural calamities in the past, Ranasinghe said. She added that the delegation's visit was mainly aimed at conveying a message to the world that Nepal is safe and needs more visitors now than ever.
IAASL President Rohan Jayamanna said the delegation considers Nepal, as always, a safe and world-class travel destination.
"TAASL and IAASL are always ready to join hands with Nepal-based tourism associations to promote both countries," Jayamanna said, adding that "Sri Lanka considers Nepal a premier travel destination for its citizens."
Sri Lankan Ambassador to Nepal Ruwanthi Delpitiya appreciated the efforts of TAASL and IAASL to bring leading Sri Lankan travel trade representatives to Nepal. She also highlighted the untapped potential for tourism and business cooperation between the two South Asian countries.
"Such visits certainly help foster stronger business linkages and investment prospects between the two countries," she said, adding that Nepal could position Sri Lanka as a premier travel destination for Nepalis. This would allow Nepali travellers to experience Sri Lanka's spiritual sites, golden beaches, scenic hill country, wildlife safaris and renowned wellness offerings.
Deputy Director at the Nepal Tourism Board Sunil Sharma said the two countries could significantly expand tourism promotion through such visits.
"Nepal has always regarded Sri Lanka as one of its major tourist source markets, as both countries share many cultural and religious bonds," Sharma said.
Presenting Nepal's tourism prospects, Sharma highlighted the deep cultural and religious ties between the two countries. With both nations being home to rich Buddhist and Hindu heritage, he said there was an opportunity to develop a "spiritual circuit" for travellers.
President of the Nepal-Sri Lanka Friendship Association Joy Dewan thanked the visiting delegation, saying its decision to visit Nepal was significant.
"Nepal always views Sri Lanka not just as a neighbour but as a strategic partner for mutual growth," he said.
Bharat Jung Pandey, president of the Nepal Association of Tours and Travel Agents (NATTA), said bilateral tourism cooperation could promote the two countries as a combined destination for pilgrimage, cultural exploration and adventure.
"NATTA is always ready to collaborate with TAASL and IAASL for tourism promotion," he said.
NATTA Secretary Ramesh Parajuli described the Sri Lankan delegation's visit as a tourism confidence-building initiative. His company, Rupse Holidays, hosted the delegation during its visit to Nepal.
