The Hindu Business Line : India bid to woo more tourists from West Asia

INDIA plans to have its biggest ever presence at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) to be held in Dubai in May and it is launching new products at the region's premier travel and tourism exhibition.

The move comes as India plans to further boost incoming tourism from West Asia. Traffic from the region has been climbing gradually since 2003, with an average annual growth rate of 10 per cent, and a total of 1,26,000 arrivals being projected for 2005. India Tourism Dubai, the regional representative office of the country's tourism industry, has chosen a 504-sq. mt. pavilion. This year's event is likely to be attended by Ms Renuka Chowdhury, Minister of State for Tourism. "Our participation last year was extremely successful, since we achieved substantial mileage with the promotion of India as the destination for the new millennium," said Mr Prakash Jajoria, Regional Director of Dubai India Tourism, according to a statement from the organisers.

"The Middle East is of strategic importance for the growth of India's tourism, which currently accounts for 2 per cent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP)." At ATM 2005, India Tourism will launch new holiday packages targeting the region's golfing community and honeymooners. Special adventure holiday packages will also make their debut.

"We are hoping to meet representatives from the hospitality and airline sectors, travel agents, tour operators, corporate travel buyers and the general public," he said. Travel and tourism industry players, stand alone participants, including the flag carrier, and major hotel chains will be represented at the India Tourism Pavilion.

Indian Airlines and Air Sahara will be accompanied by Taj Group of Hotels, The Bird Group, The Grand Group, The Imperia and the Kumarakon Lake Resort. The combined exhibition space to be occupied by these companies is 122 sq. mt. "India is a major contributor to ATM's global appeal, as it keeps expanding its presence every year and constantly introduces new products, services and destinations," said Mr Chris Chackal, Group Exhibitions Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE), the organiser of ATM. "Middle East residents are extremely discerning and destinations competing for a slice of this lucrative market need to continuously reinvent themselves to maintain their competitiveness," he said. This year's ATM, the biggest in the event's history, will have exhibitors from 61 countries, including 52 national tourist boards. It will run from May 3 to May 6 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. This year, entry fees from ATM's public session will be donated to the `Just A Drop' charity to provide fresh water to tsunami victims.

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