The Indian Ministry of Tourism has unveiled a series of promotional activities aimed at boosting inbound tourism. These efforts, detailed by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in the Rajya Sabha, are designed to showcase India's rich cultural heritage and diverse travel experiences on a global stage.
Key initiatives include India's participation in prestigious international travel fairs and exhibitions such as the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, ITB Berlin, and Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai. These events are critical platforms for promoting India’s tourism offerings to potential visitors worldwide.
Additionally, the Ministry has launched the 'Chalo India' initiative, which mobilizes the Indian diaspora as Incredible India ambassadors. Under this program, Indian nationals living abroad are encouraged to inspire five non-Indian friends to visit the country annually. Complementing this, the government announced a provision of 100,000 gratis e-visas for foreign tourists participating in the referral program, further easing the process of traveling to India.
On September 27, 2024, the Ministry introduced the revamped Incredible India website, featuring the newly launched Incredible India Content Hub. This centralized digital repository offers high-quality images, films, brochures, and newsletters tailored for use by travel media, tour operators, and other stakeholders.
The upgraded portal aims to be a one-stop solution for travelers, providing tourist-centric features to enhance the visitor experience. By equipping stakeholders with rich multimedia resources, the initiative seeks to amplify India’s appeal across marketing channels globally.
Inviting social media influencers, tour operators, and opinion leaders to explore India under the Ministry’s Hospitality Programme is another innovative step. These firsthand experiences aim to generate authentic digital content and testimonials that resonate with international audiences, further driving tourism interest.
The Ministry's efforts are carried out in collaboration with state governments and 20 identified overseas Indian missions. This coordinated approach ensures that promotional campaigns align with regional and international travel trends.
Moreover, India’s focus on sustainability and cultural preservation adds depth to its tourism pitch, positioning it as a destination that blends tradition with modernity. While the Ministry facilitates these activities, it clarified that it does not regulate the pricing structure of tourism services offered by private stakeholders.
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