SAARC members agree to set up direct air links

Members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) have decided on a to set up direct air links and relaxing visa restrictions to promote tourism within the region, according to reports.

In a 12-point agenda adopted at the conclusion of a 10-day conference of tourism ministers of SAARC nations in the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka, on Tuesday, the members also decided upon separate immigration counters at airports for citizens of SAARC countries, besides providing special facilities to its students and pilgrims, according to reports.

They also agreed on increasing cooperation for development of human resources for the ever-expanding tourism sector in South Asia, Bangladesh's official news agency BSS reported.

The SAARC ministers also emphasised on the need for more government-private participation in the tourism sector besides raising its budget allocation.

The collective experience of the tourism industries of the SAARC states would be harnessed for attracting more international tourists, especially during the World Cup cricket to be held in 2011 in the region, they said. nepalnews.com by May 24 06