Sri Lanka-Pakistan to pursue collaboration in marine tourism

Saturday, 1 November 2025 01:23 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka and Pakistan have agreed to explore joint efforts in developing marine and coastal tourism as part of broader plans to strengthen the blue economy, generate employment, and promote sustainable ocean-based growth in the region.

The understanding was reached during discussions between Transport, Highways and Urban Development Minister Bimal Rathnayake and Pakistan’s Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry in Islamabad.

Minister Chaudhry noted that the blue economy presents significant untapped potential for both nations, pointing out that nearly three billion people worldwide depend on ocean-related industries.

He said Pakistan’s 1,000-kilometre coastline offers major opportunities for harbour cruises, yachting, recreational fishing, and maritime heritage tourism, particularly in Gwadar and Karachi, which the Government is developing to diversify its economy.

He proposed enhanced collaboration between the two countries through marine tourism routes or packages linking popular coastal destinations, ferry services, and coordinated marketing and cultural exchange programs.

Minister Rathnayake welcomed the proposal, saying Sri Lanka’s Marine Tourism Roadmap seeks to strengthen the coastal economy through environmentally sustainable tourism zones and improved infrastructure in areas such as Kalpitiya, Trincomalee, Mannar, and Jaffna.

He added that a partnership between the two countries could boost regional tourist flows while showcasing their shared maritime and cultural heritage.