Friday, July 6, 2012

South Asia to jointly promote tourism

South Asian countries today underlined the need to jointly promote tourism for the benefit of the region.
"South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries should explore ways and means for more exchange of tourists among them," said Indian tourism minister Subodh Kant Sahai, while inaugurating the conclave of SAARC tour operators in New Delhi today.
Around 45 leading tour operators from Nepal, India, Maldives, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Pakistan are taking part in the conclave that will focus on various strategies to promote tourist destinations and products in the South Asian region that has a huge growth potential but has not yet been fully utilised.
"We must motivate each South Asian country in such a way that tourism becomes the focus of economic and political agendas," said Sahai, adding that the South Asian region has the potential to steer the economy of the world, if it can be fully utilised in all possible ways. "The cultural diversity of the eight-member regional block — South Asia — is unique, and the combination of scenic landscapes, natural beauty, and ethnic multiplicity only add to its international appeal for a great tourist attraction," he added. "In fact, most of the South Asian nations have already realised their potential at an individual level but with a concerted effort, the success that South Asia can achieve will be manifold."

No comments: