India, Trinidad and Tobago discuss tourism cooperation

NEW DELHI - Dr. Rupert Griffith, Minister of Tourism, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, on Monday called on Minister of State for Tourism Sultan Ahmed during which the two leaders discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in the tourism sector between the two nations.

During their half an hour meeting here, Sultan Ahmed referring to the low tourist traffic between the two countries stressed the need for a regular interaction between the two sides to increase the tourist traffic.

“Exchange of frequent visits of travel trade, media and opinion makers will help in strengthening people to people contact between India and Trinidad and Tobago,” said Ahmed suggesting that both the nations may organize road shows, food and cultural festivals in each other’s countries to further strengthen the rich historical and cultural ties.

“To attract more visitors from each other’s country both the sides should work to have better connectivity and cost effective travel between the two countries,” he added.

Sultan Ahmed further said both India and Trinidad and Tobago can work together in the field of sustainable and rural tourism, and added that the two sides can consider a cooperation agreement in future in the tourism sector to get the desired result.

During the meeting, Dr Griffith conveyed that easing of visa regime will benefit both the countries in strengthening tourism ties.

“Through films, road shows and cultural festivals both the countries can strengthen bilateral relations in the tourism sector as Indian artists are popular in Trinidad and Tobago. Cricket is another great link between the two countries to attract more visitors,” said Dr. Griffith and agreed that a cooperation agreement on tourism will further strengthen the ties between the two nations. (ANI)