Government to woo foreign tourists

Government to woo foreign touristsThe government would do all possible efforts to attract more tourists in India. It has proposed special incentives and packages to promote tourism. The central government has declared 2009 as the year to `Visit India' to make country as a favorite tourism location.

Government is visibly upset over decline in tourists in the country in the aftermath of recent Mumbai terror attack. Many countries have asked their nationals not to travel India on security grounds. It may further slide tourism growth rate which was 14 per cent last year. County witnessed 2.1 per cent decline in foreign tourist number for November. Interestingly, world tourism growth rate is also declined to 2-3% in 2008 from 6 per cent in 2007.

Union tourism ministry would provide one, two or three-day stay at a wellness resort, rural stay or a taste of adventure tourism as a part of its tourism growth planes. The minister of tourism and culture, Ambika Soni said, "There is a proposal to give weight age on purchase of air ticket depending on the distance of the travel to foreign tourists. However, a final decision is to be taken after consultation with all concerned. Among others, adventure tourism, rural tourism, Buddhist sites and other products will be offered to tourists in various packages. '' She discussed the matter in the National Tourism Advisory Council on Monday which was also attended by the travel and tourism industry, civil aviation and hospitality industry leaders.

Government would allow public private participation (PPP) to develop tourism sector infrastructure. It would arrange special tour of foreign media at various tourism sites. It is also considering market development assistance scheme to the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Events) segment to promote inbound tourism.

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