Following previous discussions held with the Myanmar Tourism Marketing Association, Sri Lankan ambassador to Myanmar, Dr. Nalin de Silva, supported by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, held a virtual discussion with officers from Myanmar’s Ministry of Tourism on the ways and means to promote bilateral tourism between the two countries.

The discussions focused on materializing new proposals directed towards increasing awareness about Sri Lanka among Myanmar nationals as reported by the local press.

The Ambassador said that there is an untapped potential for developing pilgrim tourism between the two countries and proposed to introduce tailor-made tour packages including significant religious sites with possible discounts to encourage Myanmar tourists. It was also proposed to invite Myanmar’s national television to produce a documentary in Sri Lanka post-COVID.

An important point of discussion to develop the bi-lateral inbound and outbound tourism is the establishment of direct air connectivity between the two countries and options available were discussed in detail though no date was specified. Currently there are no direct flights to Sri Lanka and travelers need to transfer in one of the regional hubs.