Incredible India gears up to become a year round destination to World 

(MENAFN Press) India for all seasons “ Incredible India gears up to become a year round destination to the World!

April / May 2012 - As part of its participation under the banner Incredible India, the entire gamut of tourism potential “ both business and leisure travel “ is on show during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2012 being held between 30th April “ 3rd May 2012. More than fifty participants representing the tourism diversity of Heritage, Nature, Culture and Wellness tourism from India are participating at the ATM-2012, which is the largest tourism show of the Gulf & Middle East Region.

India Tourism Dubai provides a glimpse of the attractive tourism products as also the countless cultural, spiritual and travel experiences that India offers. One of the highlights at this year's Incredible India showcase at ATM 2012 would be to depict India as a multi-faceted tourist destination for Luxury, Wildlife and Wellness / Medical tourism potential of the country.

As part of its participation, a high level delegation from India, led by Honorable Mr. Sultan Ahmed, Indian Minister of State for Tourism, and comprising senior officers from the Ministry of Tourism is visiting the ATM. Honorable Mr. A.P. Anil Kumar, Minister of Tourism, Government of Kerala, is also heading a strong delegation of tourism and hospitality industry representatives from the state. The delegation will be participating at the India Pavilion. Similarly, Ms. Leena Padha, Additional Secretary, Tourism & Culture Department from the State Government of Jammu & Kashmir, would be showcasing the tourist attractions of the state at ATM.

The India Pavilion includes 32 individual booths. State Tourism Boards of India from Kerala, Uttrakhand, Meghalaya & Jammu & Kashmir will be attending the event. The aim of the participation is to showcase brand 'Incredible India' and the efforts of India Tourism.

Foreign tourist arrivals into India have witnessed a steady increase over the years, touching 6.29 million in 2011, a spurt of a whopping 8.9% increase over 5.78 million tourist arrivals in 2010. Till March 2012, the Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in India stands at 1.98 million. The Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEE) till March 2012 stands at US 4,969 million. The Ministry of Tourism has set an aim to increase India's share in International Tourist Arrivals from 0.6% to 1% by 2016. To meet the demand created by above growth, India will require approximately additional 200,000 classified and 230,000 unclassified hotel rooms.

India tourism is already taking steps to well equip the infrastructure facilities to welcome so many tourists. With the modernization of airports all across the country, adding hotel rooms especially at the tourist interest places and with clean India campaign launched, India is all set to welcome the additional number of foreign tourists.

The Gulf and the Middle East --- An important market for India: There has been a consistent and positive growth of Foreign Tourist Arrivals from the Gulf and the Middle East region to India over the last 2 to 3 years with the year 2010 having registered an overall growth of around 17% over the previous year. Some of the countries, particularly, The United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sultanate of Oman, Republic of Yemen and Republic of Turkey have registered positive growth and are emerging as major tourism generating markets for India from this region.

With its natural beauty, vivid festivals, exotic beaches and architectural marvels, from Palace & Heritage hotels, to deserts, to skiing in the mountains, swimming or diving at beautiful beaches; boat houses in Kerala & Kashmir, luxurious camps in national parks, luxurious train journeys as well as the diverse range of accommodation from budget to the top 5-star properties and spa resorts, India has charmed and mesmerized its visitors from this region.

India: A Destination for Medical Travel : The percentage of Foreign Tourist Arrivals visiting India for Medical Treatment increased from 2.2% in 2009 to 2.7% in 2010. Medical Tourism has been growing rapidly since the year 2000 The whole world has taken a note of the massive transformation that has taken place in the Indian Healthcare sector particularly in the Secondary Super Specialty Care in the last two decades.

India is poised to become the hub for medical tourism because of several factors viz. World class hospitals with latest technology ; Highly skilled Indian physicians and surgeons ; Low cost of treatment ; Excellent quality of care, nursing and Indian hospitality ; Comparatively less waiting time for availing the medical services ; India's traditional healthcare therapies like Ayurveda & Yoga combined with allopathic treatment providing a holistic wellness.

Ayurveda in Monsoon : Ministry of Tourism and the states of India are developing new products to capitalize on India's potential from its traditional systems of wellness and medicines, such as Ayurveda, Siddha and Yoga, to present the country as a unique destination for spiritual healing. As the rain clouds start rumbling in the horizon, health resorts and clinics come up with comprehensive Ayurveda packages to pamper and rejuvenate tourists. Monsoon is considered the best season for Ayurveda rejuvenation programmes as the atmosphere remains dust-free and moist, which in turn opens up the body pores making them more receptive to herbal oils and massages. India has one of the most lucrative health and wellness tourism markets in the world.

About India Tourism: India Tourism Dubai is the National tourism promotional office of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India which is based in the UAE to promote tourism to India from West Asia and Africa region to India. The office is responsible for dissemination of information and creating awareness about tourist destinations and tourism products within India. To increase the tourist inflow, the India Tourism Office, as part of its on-going activities, releases print, electronic, online and outdoor media campaigns and promotional activities, including participation in travel fairs and exhibitions; organising road shows, Know India seminars & workshops; organizing and supporting Indian food and cultural festivals; publication of brochures; offering joint advertising and brochure support and inviting media personalities, tour operators and opinion makers to visit the country under the Hospitality Programme of the India Tourism.