Incredible India, terrific tourism

The Honourable Minister for Tourism, Shri Subodh Kant Sahai, inaugurated the India Tourism Pavilion at the World Tourism Mart on 7 November 2011, in the presence of State Tourism Ministers Shri Chhagan Bhujbal, Maharashtra; Mr Nawang Rigzin, Jammu & Kashmir; Mr Vasant Kumar Vatti, Andhra Pradesh; Mr P Rajavelu, Puducherry; Shri A P Anil Kumar, Kerala; and Mr Rajesh N Prasad, the acting High Commissioner of India to the UK. In all, 19 Indian states participated.

The pavilion covers a total area of 870 square metres and the stand, which was constructed on the theme of 'unity in diversity', depicted the varied tourism destinations and products of India. The pavilion was also host to artisans representing the different states of India, with demonstrations of their arts and crafts. In addition, a cultural troupe from India showcased the country's varied colours.

India received two awards. One was for being the world's leading travel and tourism destination, and the second for the Ministry's position as the world's leading National Tourism Board with its Incredible! India campaign.

Mr Sahai interacted with the stakeholders and discussed various matters pertaining to the growth of tourism at the Mart. He also met the UK Minister for Tourism and Heritage, the Rt. Hon. John Penrose, and discussed ways of encouraging two-way tourism between India and the UK. Mr Sahai also had a meeting with the Tourism Minister of Israel and talked with him about cooperation in tourism promotion between the two countries.

In the afternoon, the Honourable Minister addressed the International Press, speaking of India's potential for huge tourism growth and the infrastructural development in Public-Private Partnership. He encouraged the State Tourism Departments to come forward and conduct aggressive marketing, and to develop new products like wellness tourism, medical tourism and eco tourism. The Press Conference was attended by all the State Tourism Ministers who were present for the inauguration in the morning, and they were joined by Mrs Gokula Indra, Minister of Tourism, Tamil Nadu.

The Press Conference was followed by a question-and-answer session in which Mr Sahai conveyed a positive approach towards infrastructure and the different states' tourism potential. Each Minister was given an opportunity to talk about their individual state and the products they had to offer. An Incredible! India kit was distributed to all the participants and the Press Conference concluded on a happy note.

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