India provides tourism updates at WTM

Dr Mahesh Sharma addresses industry on tourism policies and trends. India’s Ministry of Tourism had a significant presence at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London this week.

As a “Premier Partner” of the annual travel show, “Incredible India” branding was prominent in and around the Excel centre, including large promotions under the theme “India – The Land of Eternal Heritage”.

Dr Mahesh Sharma, India’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Civil Aviation, used the event to provide an update on the country’s tourism growth. He revealed that latest full-year arrivals data, including a 4.5% increase in overseas visitors in 2015, and reiterated India’s overall aim of attracting 1% of total international visitor arrivals.

Dr Sharma also noted that Narendra Modi’s Indian government is “fully aware of the contribution of tourism towards the economic growth and stands committed to make it easy for the travellers to visit India”.

An example of this, he stated, was the introduction of the electronic tourist visa system, which is now available for nationals of 150 countries. He also showcased India’s new tourism circuits covering areas including the deserts of Rajasthan, the Himalayas, Kerala’s backwaters, the beaches of Goa and India’s 35 UNESCO World Heritage sites.

News Source: www.traveldailymedia.com