The Travel Agents Association of Pakistan (TAAP) and the Consul General H.E. Mr. Jagath Abeywarna during visit of H.E. to TAAP Head office agreed on joint efforts to promote reciprocal tourism between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The meeting was attended by Mr. Muhammad Nadeem Sharif, Chairman TAAP, Mr. Muhammad Hanif Dossani, Vice Chairman South zone, Mr. Muhammad Yahya Polani, Former Chairman TAAP and Members Executive & Travel/Tourism committee.
Before the start of meeting TAAP chairman expressed his heartfelt condolence and solidarity on behalf of Travel & tourism fraternity of Pakistan on tragic incident of Sialkot where Mr. Priyantha Kumara, a Sri Lankan National was killed and brutally set on fire. One Minute silence was observed for the departed soul.
The Chairman TAAP apprised His Excellency the Consul General about the role of TAAP to promote travel and tourism industry in the country and elsewhere. He articulated since establishing diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, the bonds of friendship and cordiality between these two countries, propelled by understanding and cooperation. The state of bilateral relations is based on goodwill, mutual cooperation and friendship.
TAAP suggested the Excellency for effective liaison between the Travel Agents Association of both the countries to bridge together for joint efforts for promoting tourism. TAAP emphasised on opportunities for Sri Lankan people to visit holy places of Buddhism in various parts of Pakistan.
Excellency articulated that people of Sri Lanka and Pakistan enjoy close and friendly relations nurtured by friendship, cooperation and mutual respect. There exist great potentials for promoting tourism between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Before Covid-19 a good number of Pakistani people visited Sri Lanka and realized that efforts were required to promote Sri Lanka tourism in Pakistan. He also endeavored for effective liaison and meaningful activation of tourism between the two countries and he will forward TAAP proposals to tourism authorities of Sri Lanka.
TAAP and the Consul General agreed to arrange promotional event in Pakistan & Sri Lanka to provide an interactive forum to Pakistani and Sri Lankan Travel and Tours Operators to explore partnership opportunities and find new business prospects.
TAAP members present also participated and exchanged views and proposals with the Consul General. After the vote of thanks by TAAP and H. Excellency, the Mementos was presented to the distinguished guest H.E. Mr. Jagath Abeywarna, the Consul General for gracing the occasion.