To explore opportunities in tourism:

Tourism Minister visits Iran

A private sector delegation led by Minister of Tourism Milinda Moragoda left for Iran yesterday to explore opportunities of increasing tourist arrivals from Iran and improving cooperation in the field of tourism.

This delegation consisted several leading Sri Lankan companies engaged in the hospitality industry, both travel and hotel sectors.

The delegation will meet their counterparts, discuss arrangements for increased tourist traffic from Iran to Sri Lanka as well as examine the potential for Sri Lanka hoteliers to invest in Iran as well as reach management agreements with Iranian hoteliers, where possible.

In addition to the hospitality industry, Iran is also interested in the apparel industry and the delegation would examine what potential exists in that and other sectors, where Sri Lankan expertise could be offered.

Minister Moragoda has undertaken the visit at the invitation of Iranian authorities and will engage in discussions, which will enhance business opportunities for Sri Lankan firms in Iran. During the visit Minister Moragoda will meet high officials of the relevant institutions, including his Iranian counterpart, Vice-President for Tourism Affairs Esfandiar Rahim-Mashaei.

With the drastic improvement in the security situation following last week’s victory by the Armed Forces, Sri Lanka Tourism will launch a well timed global promotional campaign in June. Focus of attention in this campaign will be key markets such as the U.K., France, Germany, the Russian Federation, the Middle East and India.