The Hindu Business Line : India urges nations not to issue travel advisories

(From right) The Union Tourism Minister, Ms Ambika Soni; the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Chairperson, Ms Janice Antonson; the PATA President and CEO, Mr Peter De Jong; and the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Minister, Mr Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, at the PATA Travel Mart 2008 in Hyderabad on Wednesday. —

Our Bureau

Hyderabad, Sept. 17 India has asked countries not to issue travel advisories against it going by the recent incidents.

Obviously referring to the serial blasts in New Delhi and other events, Ms Ambika Soni, Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, asked the global community “to bear with us as we cope with the situation.”

Addressing a press conference at the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) conference here on Wednesday, Ms Soni said the travel advisories would have a lasting effect on prospective travellers.

Stating that determined travellers would not be deterred by the recent blasts, she said terrorism might have a temporary impact but it would not hamper the pace of tourism growth.

The four-day PATA Mart, which began on Tuesday, will conclude on September 19.

She said the country was in the process of developing 22 mega destinations and circuits with each getting funds of Rs 25-50 crore.

Replying to a question on easing visa procedures, she said the country was in the process of opening up the visa regime, with features such as visa-on-arrival. She, however, said that it would take some time.

Repeat tourists

Stating that India had been registering steady growth in tourism despite natural and other calamities, she said India planned to develop rural tourism in 128 villages across the country. “We will protect the traditional art forms and crafts in these villages,” she added.

US tops the list

Pushing the UK behind, the US became the top contributor to arrivals into India in 2007 with eight lakh visitors, according to Ms Leena Nandan, Joint Secretary (Union Ministry of Tourism).

In a presentation, she said the interest from Scandinavian countries and East Asia had grown significantly.

The Ministry will spend Rs 240 crore this year in promoting Indian tourism in select global markets; Rs 165 crore was spent last year.

“We are promoting India as a round-the-year destination,” she said.

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