The Hindu Business Line : States, operators unveil new packages at 3-day tourism fair

Hyderabad, July 3 The economic slowdown has not impacted domestic tourism, and market conditions are now more favourable for travel with prices at affordable levels, according to participants at the Travel and Tourism Fair (TTF).

The Chairman of Fairfest Media Ltd, Mr Sanjiv Agarwal, said hotels, airlines and tour operators have tightened their belts and are making travel more attractive by offering innovative packages.

The tourism exposition is being held by trade fair organiser Fairfest Media.

Addressing a press conference at the 71st edition of TTF here on Friday, Mr Agarwal said now is the best time to travel as the hospitality sector is trying to woo customers – both domestic and those visiting India – to sustain growth.

Travel and tourism organisations are coming to terms with market conditions and are offering real bargains in travel packages and hotel rates, he said.

The response to the TTF has been overwhelming with about 150 operators taking part in the four-day event. This itself reflects interest and business potential through networking, Mr Agarwal said.

The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Minister, Ms J. Geetha Reddy, who inaugurated the fair, said efforts have been initiated to work with other States, more so with neighbouring States, to harness the potential of tourism.

Eighteen State tourism departments are displaying the range of opportunities and potential for tourists and the infrastructure they have created directly and through public-private participation, Ms Reddy said.

At the three-day fair, on display are a wide range of tourism projects such as village tourism in Punjab, pilgrim tourism in Andhra Pradesh, casinos and beaches in Goa, hill resorts, healthcare in Hyderabad and heritage tourism in various parts of the country.

The TTF, supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Andhra Pradesh, has Kerala as a partner State, which has a 30-member private operator contingent. Gujarat continues to be a partner State and Orissa has a large display with its Tourism Minister visiting it.

There is also one participant from the UK offering attractive tourism and stay options in London and other parts of the UK for travellers and students.

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