Tourism operators of Sri Lanka and Maldives are promoting holiday packages in hopes of attracting Chinese visitors during the upcoming Chinese lunar New Year, which falls on Feb. 9.

"The Chinese government and people offered generous help to us. We hope Chinese visitors come during the Spring Festival," said Ajith Weerasekera, chief representative of Sri Lankan Airlines in China.

"Some Maldives islands were not affected by the tsunami and can still host world tourists. We hope more and more Chinese guests can spend the holiday in Maldives," said Wei Jikang, Iris travel agency manager who promoted special holiday routes for Chinese people.

From now to the end of April, the Sri Lankan airlines and the nation's biggest travel agency planned to attract Chinese visitors by two special routes with cheap prices, namely cultural tour and holiday tour.

"Some people dare not go to the beach after the tsunami," Wei said.

The tour will instead focus on the inland beauty of Sri Lanka, including cultural relics and unique urban scenery.

(Xinhua News Agency February 2, 2005)