COLOMBO, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka is rolling out a joint marketing and operations plan to attract airlines to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport and position it as a tourism gateway, local media reported on Monday, quoting a senior tourism official.
Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Buddhika Hewawasam, said Mattala's main problem is the lack of scheduled flights, though charter operations continue in peak seasons. He said Sri Lanka Tourism is working with Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. and industry stakeholders to promote the airport.
Hewawasam said Mattala can serve as a diversion airport for Bandaranaike International Airport and that recent steps by aviation authorities have improved confidence in its safety and operations.
He said officials also plan to market Mattala based on its access to southern and eastern tourist zones. ■
