Aiming to attract more foreign tourists, the government has firmed up plans to open about a dozen representative offices abroad as part of an aggressive ‘Incredible India' campaign.
“Our aim is to have more than 11 million foreign tourists in the next five years and for this we are finalising plan to launch an aggressive campaign abroad. We will be opening representative offices in about 12 countries soon,” the Tourism Minister, Mr Subodh Kant Sahai, said after releasing the ‘Incredible India' promotional calendar-2012 here.
Currently, India attracts about 5.6 million foreigners in a year and has tourism offices in 14 countries, including the US, Canada, Germany, Italy, Britain, South Africa and Dubai.
New markets
“Basically we will be now promoting India as a 12-month destination. We will also be focussing on new markets such as CIS, West Asia and African countries to increase footfalls here by organising roadshows, language campaign and promotional events,” he said.
Admitting visa issues affecting inbound tourists, Mr Sahai said, “I am planning to meet the External Affairs Minister after the Parliament session to sort out certain visa issues.”
New destinations
In order to add more tourist attractions, the Tourism Ministry has decided to create 35 new tourist destinations. Besides developing infrastructure at the existing tourist centres, 35 new destinations will be developed, he said.
The Tourism Ministry has sought Rs 23,000 crore in allocation from the Planning Commission in the 12th Plan.
“Tourism is going to generate a lot of job opportunities and the PMO and Planning Commission have taken it into account, he said.
Calendar
Mr Sahai said the new calendar projects India's cultural diversity by showcasing the rich architectural heritage of the country, its natural beauty and the multitude of faiths, through various tourist destinations in the country.
The Minister expressed the hope that the calendar will play an important role in promoting tourism in the country.
The 12-page calendar depicts Taj Mahal, the backwaters of Kerala, Lotus Temple of Delhi, Golden Temple, Mahabodhi tree of Bodhgaya, Tso-Moriri Lake of Ladakh, Kedarnath Temple, Victoria Memorial, Gurudongmar Lake of Sikkim, Hampi ruins, Jaisalmer fort and the national animal tiger.
The promotional calendars are widely distributed in India and overseas.