LAHORE, March 6: The Travel Agents Association of Pakistan and the Travel Agents Association of India have resolved to work wholeheartedly for the growth and promotion of tourism in both the countries.

The TAAP and TAAI office-bearers passed a resolution after a two-day interaction and announced it at a joint news conference at a local hotel on Saturday. The TAAI's 16-member delegation is here on a four-day visit.

TAAI President Balbir Singh Mayal and TAAP chairman Nadeem Sharif said both the associations, along with the Pacific Asia Travel Association and other tourism associations, were convinced that there was great scope for tourism in the two countries.

They said both the associations had agreed to influence their governments to facilitate the process and growth of the industry. "Our representatives will also persuade the governments to ease the process of visa issuance and open more tourism offices."

Mr Mayal and Mr Sharif said they would also identify and promote various segments of tourism, including business tourism, conference/incentive tourism and religious tourism.

They said the TAAP and TAAI had finalized the plan to hold a joint conference "Tourism - bridge to peace and prosperity" by the end of the next month or in early May for travel and tourism professionals.

Besides, they said, the associations would sign a MoU that both of them would have frequent contacts and work to solve problems in strengthening relations.

Answering a question, Mr Mayal said the delegation had come to Pakistan with a very clear message of improving tourism and peace. He, however, said the two government would take time in developing understanding due to some restraints.

He hoped that the better environment would immediately enhance tourism activity from 15 per cent to 20 per cent. In order to attract more tourists, he said, the governments would be required to enhance infrastructure facilities as well.

Citing an example, he said, India would issue visas to only 8,000 people to watch the upcoming cricket series, though it had demands for visas from over 80,000 people.He said the TAAI delegation had met Punjab Tourism Minister Mian Aslam Iqbal and informed him about the problems which needed to be solved by the governments.

Mr Mayal said India had earned Rs150 billion from the tourism industry alone last year. He added that the tourism was the third biggest sector in India.

Answering another question about previous decision of closing down travel routes between both the countries, he said the Indian government was criticized for this action.

PATA chairman-elect Ram Kohli said the delegation's ideal was to enhance friendship between the two countries.

TAAP vice-chairman Muhammad Akhtar Mummunka also spoke on the occasion.