Sri Lankan Airlines wants to operate its regular flights to the popular Buddhist destinations in India. Airlines had hold a discussion with Indian tourism department in this regard.
Manoj Gunawardena, Head of Worldwide Passenger Sales, SriLankan Airlines, said while briefing with media:
We had discussions last week with the Indian tourism authorities and Bodhgaya definitely figures in our expansion plans in India.
He addd:
We are discussing with tour operators to come up with a business plan for Bodhgaya (in Bihar) and if all goes well, we may begin a flight there next year.
Airline is planning to excel the number of flights to100 by the end of this year. It is good sign for Indian Buddhist destination to promote them among Buddhist countries.
A study concluded by FICCI-ICRA shows that in spite the birthplace of Lord Buddha India draws less than one percent visitors of world’s Buddhist population, as a result India is depriving around one billion dollars (over Rs 4,500 crore) earning every year. The lack of amenities, basic infrastructure, and bad security provisions in the states like Bihar, lack of concern to promote India as a Buddhist destination, taking away million of tourist from India, report said.
The report further states that the percentage of tourists could rise by 400 percent, only if the ministry strives to develop Indian Buddhist sites, which requires the direct flights to Buddhist countries like China and Japan, Sri Lanka from Buddhist destinations. In order to implement all these necessary requirements the tourism ministry needs to develop joint venture among civil aviation, railways, surface transport and external affairs.
Via: TheHindu
