Seek to boost connectivity, prosperity through cooperation in marine and coastal tourism
Strengthening regulatory frameworks, improving governance, and fostering collaboration between provincial and federal institutions can enhance the effectiveness of blue economy initiatives. photo: file
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have agreed to explore joint cooperation in marine tourism, recognising the vast potential of their coastlines and rich marine biodiversity to strengthen sustainable economic growth and regional connectivity.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry proposed enhanced collaboration in marine tourism during a meeting with Sri Lankan Minister for Transport, Highways and Urban Development Bimal Niroshan Rathnayake.
Junaid Anwar highlighted that marine industries, including fisheries and tourism, play a vital role in supporting livelihoods, particularly in developing nations. “The economic wellbeing of nearly three billion people depends on the ocean economy, most of whom live in developing regions,” he said.
Referring to the recent global studies, he noted that coastal and marine tourism generates around 6.5 million jobs worldwide, with the ocean economy projected to expand 3.5% annually. “By 2030, marine and coastal tourism will become the largest value-added component of the marine economy, accounting for up to 26% of the total production,” he added.
Pakistan, which has a coastline stretching over 1,000 kilometres, is focusing on developing its coastal and marine tourism sectors by promoting harbour cruises, recreational fishing, yachting and maritime heritage tourism, particularly around Gwadar and Karachi, as part of efforts to diversify its blue economy.
The maritime minister proposed initiatives such as joint marine tourism routes or packages connecting key coastal destinations in both countries, along with enhanced ferry services, cultural exchanges and coordinated marketing campaigns.
Sri Lankan Minister Rathnayake welcomed the proposals, saying Colombo’s well-established marine tourism infrastructure could complement Pakistan’s emerging coastal tourism market. “This cooperation could foster mutual tourism growth, increase regional visitor traffic and promote our shared marine and cultural assets,” he remarked.
He added that Sri Lanka had recently launched the Marine Tourism Roadmap aimed at strengthening its coastal economy through eco-friendly tourism zones and upgraded infrastructure in regions such as Kalpitiya, Trincomalee, Mannar and Jaffna.
Junaid Anwar observed that the rising interest in organised tour packages from Pakistan to Sri Lanka highlights the need for stronger connectivity and tourism synergies. “Marine tourism cooperation between Pakistan and Sri Lanka can build upon both established and emerging coastal strengths to create lasting economic benefits,” he said.
Both ministers agreed that enhanced collaboration in this specialised sector could generate employment opportunities, promote marine conservation and support sustainable coastal development, contributing significantly to the regional blue economy.
