Maldives seeks joint tourism bid with Sri Lanka

COLOMBO, May 9 (AFP) - Maldives is seeking joint tourism promotion with Sri Lanka as part of efforts to boost their bilateral trade and economic cooperation, President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom said here yesterday. The two countries have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish a task force to study areas of cooperation in tourism, a key source of foreign exchange for both South Asian nations. "A highlight of my visit is the MOU on tourism," Gayoom said at the end of his four-day official visit during which he held talks with President Chandrika Kumaratunga and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. Sri Lanka is a key transit point for tourists travelling onto the neighbouring Maldives, which is known for its white sandy beaches, crystal clear lagoons and an abundance of tropical fish surrounding its coral-protected tiny islets. Fighting between government forces and Tamil Tiger rebels in the past three decades hurt tourism in Sri Lanka but a ceasefire since February last year has seen a rise in the number of foreign visitors. Any improvement in tourism in Sri Lanka is seen as having a knock on effect for the Maldives with many high-spenders combining both destinations in one holiday package.