Photo: Chairman of China Tourism Mr. Shao Qiwei with Minister Milinda Moragoda

Tourism Minister Milinda Moragoda had bilateral talks with the Chairman of China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) Mr. Shao Qiwei and several high level officials at the China World Hotel on 6th March 2009. CNTA is the main Government body responsible for all the activities related to tourism in China and the Chairman Mr. Shao Qiwei reports directly to the State Council and the Premier Wen Jiabao.


While extending a warm welcome to Minister Moragoda, the Chairman of CNTA briefed the Minister on the increasing numbers of outbound tourists from China and the fierce competition in the Chinese tourism market. Emphasizing on the long standing friendship and bilateral ties between Sri Lanka and China, the Chairman stated that the CNTA would welcome and assist the tourism authorities and aviation sector to promote Sri Lanka in China.


While appreciating CNTA for their cooperation to Sri Lanka tourism promotion, Minister Moragoda explained the new developments in Sri Lanka where the war has finally come to an end and where there is hope for new beginnings, specially in the tourism sector.


Explaining his purpose of visit to China this time, the Minister stated that Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau is launching their new logo and theme "Sri Lanka – Small Miracle" at the ITB in Berlin this month and that the Bureau has chosen China as the first place to announce the new tourism logo and theme, which shows the importance Sri Lanka has placed on China and the Chinese people.


The Minister requested the CNTA for their support in Sri Lanka’s tourism promotion campaign, particularly in giving more publicity to Sri Lanka. The Minister also sought possibility of developing a framework in the form of a joint committee for regular interactions between China and Sri Lanka in tourism cooperation.


Responding positively to the initiatives proposed by the Minister, the Chairman of CNTA stated that they are willing to provide Sri Lanka with maximum support in promoting Sri Lanka in China and that the Marketing and International Cooperation Department of CNTA will work very closely with the Sri Lankan authorities in future in formulating an appropriate framework for regular interactions where the concerns of both parties can be addressed. He further suggested that the Chinese Travel agents are invited to work more closely with the CNTA and the Ministry of Tourism of Sri Lanka in conducting research as to how Sri Lanka could tap the Chinese tourism market better.


The Chairman also assured the CNTA’s support to Sri Lanka in areas of improving aviation capacity to Colombo, introducing more tourism related investments to the island and assistance to Sri Lankan travel agents in participating at various travel fairs held in China in future.