Colombo, 15 September, (Asiantribune.com):A?A?Under the new policy introduced by Ministry of Tourism, Chief Minister and the Minister of Tourism of Eastern Province, Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan Kumarasamy is joining the delegation, headed by Deputy Minister of Tourism, Faiszer Mustapha, to participate at Japan Association of Travel Agents – Travel Mart (JATA), one of the largest international travel fairs in Asia, to be held in Tokyo Big Sight from September 18 to 21.

His participation at JATA is in line with the policy of the Ministry of Tourism, that is, to share the resources and expertise with all the provinces for better exposure of the countryA?a??a??s tourism being a concurrence subject.

According to the Ministry policy to involve the Provincial Councils in tourism development, Sri Lanka Tourism on two occasions offered the Chief Ministers of Southern and Central Province to attend travel fairs overseas.

This is sequel to a decision taken by Milinda Moragoda Minister of Tourism in leveraging Tourism resources in true sense from centre to provinces, allowing Provincial Tourism Authorities to gain foreign exposure as central agencies do.

During the Ministers first year in office in 2007, he decided to request Southern Provincial Chief Minister & Tourism Minister Shan Wijelal de Silva to attend 2007 ITB in place of him. In 2008 Central Province Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake participation at ITB in Berlin and he pointed out to media after the participation at the fair that although in the earlier days Sri Lanka only had the beach but now the country has so many aspects and purposes for the tourists to come. A?a??A?In the central province there is trekking and so many other new ideas and we will work together with the Tourism Ministry he further added.

A?a??A?Eastern Province Chief MinisterA?a??a??s participation at the JATA Travel Mart is vital because, East has lots to offer as a destination and several events have been planned to promote this province, and places like Nilaveli, Arugambay, Pottuvil resorts are earmarked for developments with construction of rooms and other facilities,A?a??A? said Deputy Minister of Tourism.

He further added that the Chief Minister of Eastern Province would be meeting the media and the travel agents in Japan to share his experiences and work towards development programmes of the Province.

A?a??A?His visit is justifiable with the concurrent development of the country, to promote the demands of the provinces,A?a??A? he said.

During his visit, he will also be attending the opening ceremony Sri Lanka Culture and Heritage Exhibition at Tokyo Museum on. The Chief Minister will be accompanied by Mr. M. Ninzer (Azad Moulana) and Mr. K. Nanthakopan (Ragu).

JATA WTF is held annually since 2003, comprising of two complementary events- a travel congress and exhibition. The World Tourism Congress is a marketing conference structured around a key theme in travel and tourism.

JATA World Travel Fair is both a trade show for travel industry professionals to exchange information and build relationships, and a consumer travel fair where exhibitors can showcase travel products and appeal directly to potential Japanese travelers. This fair will serve to stimulate Japanese travel demand and launch new travel trends.

– Asian Tribune –

source:
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/13253