India to implement slew of measures to boost tourism

New Delhi, Dec 15 (PTI) With the global financial meltdown and the Mumbai terror attacks affecting tourism, Indian government has decided to implement a slew of measures to give a boost to the sector, including declaring 2009 as the "Visit India" Year.

"We are considering attractive packages for tourists
visiting India and the modalities are being worked out. We
will finalise the package soon after consultations with tour
operators, hoteliers, airlines and other stakeholders of the
tourism industry," India's Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika
Soni said here Monday.

Soni was chairing a National Advisory Council convened by
her ministry, which was attended by representatives from the
travel and tourism industry, civil aviation and hospitality
sector among others.

Foreign tourist arrivals fell by 2.1 percent in November
and forex earnings from tourism dipped by 12.5 percent.

To lure tourists, the council discussed different
proposals, including free air travel and accommodation to
foreign tourists who visit India for the third time. The Taj
Group has also offered 1,000 packages for tourists.

"There is a proposal to give weightage on purchase of
airticket depending on the distance of the travel to foreign
tourists. However, a final decision is to be taken after
consultation with all concerned," said Soni.

"Among others, adventure tourism, rural tourism, Buddhist
sites and other products will be offered to tourists in
various packages," she said. PTI ARU
SAK