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| Sunday, 31 August 2003 |
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Lack of direct air link with China blow to tourism by JAYAMPATHY JAYASINGHE The non-availability of direct flights from Beijing to Colombo is considered as a major drawback for investment opportunities for Chinese businessmen in Sri Lanka. Many Chinese investors had queried whether direct flights from China would be made available in the future, Tourist Board Chairman, Paddy Withana, said. Many Chinese businessmen travel to Sri Lanka by non-direct flights which entails long delays, he said. Asked whether he was optimistic about Chinese arrivals, Withana said Sri Lanka was at an advantageous position owing to its religious and cultural ties with China. "Another area we have to look at is having Chinese speaking guides and authentic Chinese food," he said. Last year, the Sri Lankan government signed a destination status pact with the Chinese government to legitimise chinese tourism to Sri Lanka. Although a large number of chinese tourists were expected in Sri Lanka, the outbreak of SARS had hampered holiday travel plans. The total number of Chinese arrivals last year was around 4000. Around 5000 tourists are expected this year. "The services of a reputed international Public Relations company is needed to promote Sri Lanka's image in China," Withana said. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's recent visit to China will garner support for local industries. "The main focus is to develop further ties with China to attract investments. The 12 Sri Lankan travel companies that accompanied the Prime Minister's delegation to China had extensive talks with Chinese authorities." Referring to the lucrative north Indian market, Withana said they were not able to penetrate the market due to lack of seating capacity in airlines. United Holidays Chairman, Afgar Mohideen, said that regional tourism from emerging markets like Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and India should be promoted while maintaining links with traditional European markets. "To tap the Chinese market there should be direct flights from Beijing to Colombo. Those who come to Sri Lanka are mainly from Goungdon province close to Hong Kong." He said tourist hotel rooms in Colombo, Kandy and at the Cultural Triangle have been booked in advance on account of the English cricket team visiting Sri Lanka in November. "We have had several queries from persons in UK intending to visit Sri Lanka during the forthcoming cricket tour. Already city hotels have reported an occupancy rate of 80-90 percent this month," he added. |
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