News Desk
ABU DHABI: The Ministry of Tourism under the “Incredible India” banner participated at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Dubai 2019 showcased India as a preferred destination for tourism and to provide a platform for the tourism stakeholders was showcase the various tourism destinations and products and promote India as a ‘Must See, Must Visit’ destination.
The India Pavilion also showcased India as a “365 Days Destination” year round multi-faceted tourist destination, Culture, Adventure, Cruise, Golf, MICE, luxury, wildlife, Wellness and medical tourism etc.
“I am happy that India is showcasing its tourism potential yet again at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM). India has immense opportunities for tourism whether it is related to sight-seeing, spirituality, wellness, shopping, sports or other activities. The infrastructure for tourism has been continuously improving in India to accommodate tourists from across the world but there is still immense untapped potential for future tourist arrivals in India. We can also learn from Dubai in promoting tourism in India. The Government of India has liberalized and simplified visa regime for tourists and our Consulate has also played its true part in facilitating travel of Emiratis and foreign nationals to India from UAE. I am sure that our participation in the Arabian Travel Market will enhance tourism inflow to India.” His Excellency Vipul, Consul General, Consulate General of India, Dubai.
About 20 participants from India representing the State Tourism Department of Kerala, Air India, IRCTC, Tour Operators, Travel Agents, Hoteliers/Resorts, Wellness Spas and Ayurveda Centres will be present in the India Pavilion to showcase their showcase their diverse tourism products and services.
The Indian tourism outlook is certainly very promising with an upward trend in Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTA). India received around 10.04 million FTAs in 2017 registering a growth of 14% over 2016. The Gulf and the Middle East region are an important market for India. There has been a consistent and positive growth of Foreign Tourist Arrivals from this region to India and the aim is to further accelerate the pace of growth rate in international tourist arrivals over the next 3 years through a multi-pronged approach, including proactive marketing strategies in partnership with our tourism stakeholders.
As per the report of World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), India is ranked at 3rd place in Power Ranking and has jumped from 7th place in 2017 to 3rd place in 2018.
The e-Visa facility, now available to the nationals of 167 countries, recently this facility has been extended to the citizens of Saudi Arabia. E-Visa is valid for entry through 25 designated Airports and 5 designated seaports, has contributed to the increase in Foreign Tourist Arrivals to India. The E-Visa is available under three sub-categories i.e. ‘e-Tourist Visa’, ‘e-Business Visa’ and ‘e-Medical Visa’.
India is an experiential destination with its kaleidoscope of ancient culture and heritage, ancient systems of healing like Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Naturopathy, natural beauty including 70% of the Himalayas and over 7500 km long coastline, rich flora and fauna, world class medical facilities and many other aspects make India the favoured destination for the discerning traveler. The enchanting backwaters, hill stations and landscapes make India a beautiful country.
India’s rich and diverse natural, cultural, and religious heritage provides a unique opportunity for tourism, ranging from the architecture of palaces, forts, temples, to the grandeur of its sculptures, and the beauty of its paintings, the scenic landscapes all offering an unparalleled experience. The Indian Himalayas are a complete destination in themselves and span across six states of India namely Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and the hill regions of West Bengal.
Theme based schemes for the integrated development of circuits for improvement of infrastructure in the country have been launched by the Ministry of Tourism to enable tourists experience the destination fully. The Ministry of Tourism has also taken the initiative of identifying, diversifying, developing and promoting nascent / upcoming niche tourism products. These have resulted in the development of unique products like Rural, Adventure, Eco, Wellness, Golf, MICE, Medical and Cruise Tourism.
One of the regions in focus is the North Eastern region of India which comprises the eight States of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. Promotion of tourism of the North Eastern States of India with its rich and diverse tourism products, variety of flora and fauna, and also home to the unique Asian one horned Rhino, is being given special emphasis. This area is also becoming popular with tourists for River Cruises. In order to showcase the tourism potential of the region in domestic and key international markets, Ministry of Tourism in association with the North-Eastern States organizes the International Tourism Mart (ITM) annually in one of the North Eastern States.
India has emerged as a Destination for Medical / Wellness Travel in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The percentage of Foreign Tourist Arrivals visiting India for Medical Treatment has been increasing over the years and growing rapidly. India is poised to become a hub for medical tourism because of several factors viz. world class hospitals with latest technology; highly skilled Indian physicians and surgeons; cost effective treatment; excellent quality of care and nursing; less waiting time for availing of medical services; traditional healthcare therapies like Ayurveda & Yoga combined with allopathic treatment providing a holistic wellness destination.
Ministry of Tourism has formulated an Integrated Marketing Plan which includes the Global Media Campaigns as well as the promotional activities by the overseas offices of the Ministry. The Incredible India 2.0 Campaign launched by the Ministry in September 2017, lays more focus on social and digital media. The strategy for this campaign aims at moving to the next level of promotion and marketing with a shift from generic promotions across the world to market specific and focused promotional plans and content creation.
Safety and Security of the tourists being one of the prime concerns, the Ministry of Tourism has launched 24×7 Toll-Free Multi-Lingual Tourist Helpline in 12 international languages. This helpline is available on the existing Toll Free Number 1800111363 or on a short code 1363 for dialing in India and offers assistance to callers during times of distress while travelling in India and if need be alert the concerned authorities.
The Ministry of Tourism has launched a new Incredible India website which showcases India as a holistic destination, revolving around major experiences, such as, spirituality, heritage, adventure, culture, yoga, wellness and more. This website will be available in Hindi and leading international languages subsequently.
An Incredible India Mobile App has also been launched which showcases India as a holistic destination, revolving around major experiences, such as spirituality, heritage, adventure, culture, yoga, wellness and more. The mobile app has been designed keeping in mind the preferences of the modern traveler and follows the trends and technologies of international standards. The app has been equipped with features to assist the traveler in each phase of their journey to India.
India will organise the second edition of India’s most definite inbound B2B event, the India Tourism Mart 2019 (ITM-2019) from September 23-25, 2019 in New Delhi.
