Dear Friends:
This news is from the Times of India dated 26 03 2012. -bhuban MUMBAI: They may not be on a regular traveller's map. Many of them may not be even known as tourist destinations. But small countries, even cities, are now going all out to attract Indian tourists. So, while the UK, USA and big European nations continue to corner a hefty share of tourists from India, countries like Croatia, Fiji, Trinidad & Tobago and Uzbekistan are using regular promotions and campaigns to catch the desi traveller's eye. Travel experts say that these little-known places are gradually being explored by those who have already been to major holiday destinations and are now looking for new locales. Last week, Japan held a three-day open air campaign at a local mall to showcase the country for travellers and tour operators. The country, primarily a business destination for Indians, is now trying to get more Indians tourists. All Nippon, a Japanese carrier, is offering a return ticket for almost half the usual rate. Far-flung places like Peru, Argentina, Slovenia and Jordan have also been holding regular promotions in the past three years. Iraqi Airways, which had stopped operating from Mumbai two decades ago, will resume direct flights from the city in October. "These places are lesser-known and do not often come to a regular tourist's mind. However, they are also very exotic retreats and although expensive, make for good destinations for the more adventurous or experimental traveller," said Rajesh Rateria, managing director, Cirrus Travels. Also, Indians are warming up to offbeat destinations. While Croatia, a central European country, started promoting tourism last year, Oman, Jordan and Trinidad & Tobago have started hard selling themselves recently. Travel industry officials said that these countries have not yet set up tourism boards in India due to the relatively light demand. "However, many destination management companies from these places approach travel agents with presentations to promote them," said Pradip Lulla, director,Cupid Travels. Industry observers point out that many cities and resorts too do individual promotions for travellers. "In a few years, we expect a rise in the number of Indians travelling to more unexplored places. New destinations are making themselves visible. We can expect more airlines connecting these places for Indians once more people start flying," said a Fort-based travel agent. _______________________________________________ assam mailing list [email protected] http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
