Expecting a large turnout of tourists during the 2010 Commonwealth Games, the government today said it expects the buoyancy in tourism sector would return due to the mega sporting event.
“Commonwealth Games have given an opportunity for showcasing India as a unique and hospitable tourism destination. It is expected that a large number of tourists would visit the country next year, bringing back the buoyancy in the sector,” Tourism Minister Kumari Selja said at the UNWTO summit in London.
She said her ministry has been working towards developing adequate accommodation, sprucing up the tourism infrastructure and enhancing the quality of hospitality related services to make the visit a truly pleasurable and enriching experience for visitors during and after the CWG-2010.
The goodwill generated through the successful organization of this mega sporting event would enable a sustainable growth of the tourism sector, Selja added.
Reiterating that preparations for the Games are on schedule, she said India is preparing to showcase its unique tourism products.
The infrastructure in and around Delhi is also being developed to cater to the needs of the high influx of tourists expected next year.
Admitting that the ongoing global economic slowdown had a cascading effect on tourism sector and has adversely affected tourism world over, she highlighted major initiatives undertaken by India to meet the challenges.
She said her ministry has introduced a scheme called the ’Visit India Year-2009’ in partnership with the airlines, hotels and tour operators to attract visitors from different countries.
