A discussion was held between the Sri Lanka China Friendship Association (SLCFA) and the Beijing Municipal Commission for Tourism, to increase the visiting tourists’ ratio ten to one (10:1) from China to Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka-China Friendship Association Deputy Secretary, Nishan K. Silva said.Discussions were also centered on developing infrastructure facilities for expanding foreign tourism in the country, he said.

These discussions were held in a very friendly and cordial atmosphere at Beijing in China recently. Sri Lanka-China Friendship Association (SLCFA) and the Beijing Municipal Commission for Tourism organized the event.

This discussion was held with the view of targeting the proposed tourism exchange program a great success and a benefit to both countries.

The discussions were facilitated by the Beijing NGO for International Exchange (BNFIE) which is an umbrella body with 70 associated affiliations, based in Beijing on behalf of the SLCFA.

The SLCFA was represented by Sri Lanka-China Friendship Association Deputy Secretary Nishan K. Silva.

He was touring China on a Joint Study Group of South Asian Nations organized by the Chinese Association for International Understanding (CAFIU) on behalf of the SLCFA. The Beijing Municipal Commission for Tourism was represented by its Vice-Chairperson, Wang Yue, World Tourism Cities Federation, Deputy Secretary General, Yan Han, with BNFIE Secretary General, Xu Quiang and other officials.

SLCFA President, Ananda Gunathilake said that tourism is one of the main areas for strengthening friendship between the people of Sri Lanka and China. The SLCFA has elaborated plans in this regard.

SLCFA General Secretary, Sumathi Dharmawardena said that presently China has the world’s largest travelling population. “Sri Lanka has much to offer the Chinese traveller in the form of culture, wildlife, ancient ruins and sandy beaches”, he said.

Further he said that Beijing has a population of 22 million with high disposable income.

Source: http://www.dailynews.lk/?q=business/increase-chinese-tourists-sl