This will include itinerary sharing between Sri Lanka and Maldives and we will begin with the partnership signed in Italy where the $1.3 million charter can be used to bring in this new imagery said Athukorala. For instance the 21,000 visitor attracted last year must be increased to 30,000 plus and the multimedia marketing campaign that will be launched around the TTG Fair to be staged in. September this year will be used to bring in this new positioning to tourism Sri Lanka, Athukorala said. The good news is that the delivery of this promise is already agreed with the product going through up gradation that includes Italian cuisine and Italian animators. We want to use this as a case study to develop other key markets. Innovations is the hinge for success in today's competitive world he said.

Another area discussed was on the discussion point on the blue print of SAARC of South Asia having a common visa similar to the Schengen and the promotional spin off such a policy can bring to Tourism promotions. At ATM there was an announcement for GCC countries will be launching a common visa to the Arab countries later during the year. Apparently Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman which will open the door not only to the Arab world but also to 35 foreign nationals. GCC is estimated to attract over 33 million outbound trips and worth around $100 billion. Athukorala said if we can do the preliminary work from a tourism promotional aspect it can support from the relevant line ministry to take it forward at forums like SAARC for decision making.