The
Ministry of Tourism, Government of India today, has announced a series of steps aimed
at boosting international tourist arrivals and upgrading India as an exclusive
international travel destination. These efforts were summarized by Union
Minister for Tourism and Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in a written
response in the Lok Sabha today.
The
Ministry has undertaken several promotional activities targeting main global
markets. The emphasis is on displaying India’s diverse tourism potential,
including destinations like Himachal Pradesh. These steps include:
1. Participation in Global
Travel Events:
2. India is actively
participating in prominent global travel fairs and exhibitions, such as:
·
World
Travel Market (WTM), London
·
Feria
Internacional de Turismo (FITUR), Madrid
·
Internationale
Tourismusbörse (ITB), Berlin
·
Asia-Pacific
Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME), Sydney
·
Arabian
Travel Market (ATM), Dubai
·
International
& French Travel Market (IFTM), Paris
·
This
international presence is aimed at promoting Indian tourism and building
collaborations with global stakeholders.
'Chalo India' Initiative:
Undertaken
to engage the Indian diaspora, this campaign urges them to act as “Incredible
India” ambassadors. Participants are urged to request five non-Indian friends
to visit India annually. A dedicated Chalo India portal facilitates enrollment
and contains a referral program offering complimentary e-visas to 100,000
foreign tourists.
Revamped Digital Presence:
On
September 27, 2024, the Ministry launched the Incredible India Content Hub
on its revamped digital portal, www.incredibleindia.gov.in. This forum provides a
vast storage of high-quality images, films, brochures, and newsletters,
enabling international travel media and industry stakeholders to access
promotional materials effortlessly. The updated portal also offers a
tourist-centric, one-stop answer to improve visitors travel experience.
Media and Industry Engagement:
International
media personalities, tour operators, and influencers are being invited to
experience India under the Ministry’s Hospitality Programme. This measure aims
to develop positive word-of-mouth and accurate global storytelling about Indian
destinations.
Partnership with State Governments and Overseas Missions:
The
Ministry has joined hands with state governments and 20 selected Indian
missions overseas to carry out promotional campaigns and outreach activities.
The
Ministry explained that it does not control the pricing of tourism services,
which remains the prerogative of individual stakeholders. Regardless, its
initiatives seek to improve India's visibility and accessibility as a tourist
destination.
These
measures echo the government’s promise to leverage India’s cultural and natural
legacy to lure tourists from around the globe, contributing immensely to the
country’s economic and cultural development. (PR)