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Get, set, go!
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Many countries are beckoning Indian tourists
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Photo R.V. Moorthy
cairo calling Egypt is wooing Indian tourists through Bollywood. Seen here is actress Celina Jaitley, brand ambassador of Egyptian Tourism
More and more countries are opening doors to Indian tourists. Many of them are offering special packages including a visa on arrival and other attractions.. Keeping in mind the vast untapped potential of the tourism industry, as many as 13 countries showcased their best at the recently concluded South Asia Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE) meet at New Delhi’s Pragati Maidan. Twelve international hotels, 150 individual hotels along with 252 foreign and 400 Indian buyers presented their plans to attract new tourists.
Among participating countries, Egypt, Malaysia and UAE had a clear focus on attracting more Indians.
Pakistan too
Even Pakistan is all set to invite Indians to see the rich heritage of their land. Said Shahzad Qaiser, Secretary Tourism Ministry, Pakistan, “We are updating the visa policy. Each year we will take a step forward.”
While Pakistan is ready to make the process of tourist inflow gradual, Egypt is keener than ever before to attract Indian travellers. Last year, Bollywood actor Celina Jaitley became the brand ambassador for the country. This year cine idol Amitabh Bachchan is visiting the country with his family of stars. Speaking on the occasion, the Ambassador of Egypt to India, Mohammed Ghazi said, “India and Egypt initiated the Non-aligned Movement (NAM) and tourism will enhance the relations between the two countries.”
If Egypt is attracting Indians, Malaysia is not lagging behind too despite the disturbances in the country relating to Indian minority unrest. Manmohan, Director, Tourism Malaysia, said, “We are focussing on offering new customised itineraries, enabling tourists to explore different aspects of Malaysia.”
Malaysia is offering visas on arrival besides special packages for tourists keeping in mind budgetary constraints. Similarly, UAE is depending on Dubai to bring in more tourists. Dubai is offering affordable cruises, Indian cuisine, golf courses, besides flights across different cities of India.
With the summer holidays beginning next month, most of the players are hoping for a bonanza. And with the world waiting with open arms for Indian tourists, all one needs to do is to pack one’s bag and take a step forward.
S.M. AAMIR
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