Incredible India goes all out to attract tourists

Indian tourism suffered a double whammy in late 2008 and early 2009 due to recession and the attack on Mumbai, the country's business capital. However, those in the business of travel, tourism and hospitality say that India's tourism sector is picking up now and the country is doing its best to help the sector as it treads the path of recovery.

Talking about the impact of recession and the terror attacks in Mumbai, Shailendra Kumar, Director, Swagatam Tours Private Limited, Mumbai, told Emirates Business: "The flow of tourists to major destinations like Delhi, Agra, Rajasthan and South India was at its peak during 2008 and other cities of tourist importance were also doing brisk business.

"Although the effect of global recession was felt in India too, it was not as severe as in other countries due to the fact that a lot of clients visiting India book their tour well in advance and also due to the fact that India is quite an affordable destination as compared to various other destinations.

"However, the attacks on the Taj and Oberoi in November hit tourism in India. This was one of the worst periods for the Indian tourism industry as it affected all the arrivals for the month of December-January, which is the peak season for inbound tourism. Also, advisorys issued by various countries against travel to India made matters worse."

Devendra Bharma, Executive Vice-President, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, Mumbai, said: "Occupancy in October 2008 at Trident, Nariman Point, Mumbai, and The Oberoi, Mumbai was 56 per cent.

"After the attack, Trident, Nariman Point, Mumbai, was operational only for one week in December 2008 and occupancy in January 2009 at Trident, Nariman Point, Mumbai, was 41 per cent and occupancy in February 2009 was 56 per cent.

"Following a dip directly after the incident, the occupancies are recovering now."

India has always shown resilience to adversity and the Indian economy is bouncing back from the crisis. Not only that, the country is also now promoting its tourism sector in a major way.

Kumar said: "Things are surely looking up but it will take some time to get back to normal. However, the work to bring tourists in hoards to India is being done in a major way as the peak season was a big setback. Whatever can be salvaged needs to be done with renewed vigour.

"Tour operators with the help of hotel chains have floated various lucrative packages for the Middle East market to encourage more travellers to visit India.

"Tour operators and hotels in collaboration with India's Department of Tourism are arranging road shows in various countries to showcase the country as a preferred tourist destination.

"Tour operators and travel writers from various countries are also being invited to India on familiarisation trips to get a first-hand information so that they can convince their valued clients to visit India and enjoy its culture and beauty without any safety concerns."

Bharma said: "The Ministry of Tourism and the Indian Government are working closely with the tourism industry to encourage domestic and international travel to Mumbai.

"Security has been enhanced at all The Oberoi Group hotels in the light of the incident. We have worked with one of the leading security consultancies in the world to devise and assist in further enhancing the crisis management programme across all The Oberoi Group's hotels, this is unprecedented in the hospitality industry."

Talking about what the Indian Government in association with other stakeholders in the tourism sector is doing to boost tourism, C Gangadhar, Assistant Director, Indiatourism, Dubai, said: "A 'Visit India 2009' scheme has been launched to build the confidence of a world caught in the web of recession. We are doing everything to firmly establish the brand Incredible India in everyone's mind.

"India was always an interesting destination with fascinating diversity but now it is on the top of the list for tour operators and others in the industry. Further, the total travel market in India is expected reach $26.1 billion (Dh95.78bn) by 2010.

"An improved infrastructure, accessibility and marketing have helped Indian tourism in achieving high growth. Further, travellers from abroad visiting India in 2009 will have a chance to get an extra sample of the country's exotic adventure tourism and sublime eco, rural and wellness tourism in 2010 and 2011 too.

"The Government of India has announced various incentives for the tourists as well the tourism and hospitality industry. Incentives by way of value additions would be offered to foreign tourists visiting the country between April and December 2009."

The value additions that would be offered include a complimentary international air passage for travelling companion, one night's complimentary stay in the hotel booked by the tourist, one complimentary local sightseeing tour in any one city of visit and one complimentary rural holiday in the country.

The scheme would work on the concept of providing one additional or complimentary service to the tourist for every service paid for. The incentives would be offered in collaboration with airlines, hotels and tour operators. Major Indian carriers Air India and Jet Airways are partners in the scheme and will offer the complimentary air passages for travelling companions.

Shakir Kantawala, General Manager, Jet Airways, Dubai and Northern Emirates said: "The fact remains that India has much to offer to all tourists as it is a land of contrasts and diversity. India has snow-capped mountains in the north and tropical beaches in the south, deserts in the west and rain forests in the east. There is so much for everybody.

"Jet Airways has been working very closely with India Tourism during the 'Visit India 2009'. Along with hotel partners, we have hosted and flown various media representatives from the Middle East and international media, and made them experience the best of what India has to offer to foreign tourists. The positive experiences and media coverage will surely bear fruit in the medium and long term.

"We have become a part of this initiative as we fly from Dubai and Abu Dhabi and have the advantage of flying into our main hubs of New Delhi and Mumbai, from where we connect into all of India.

"We cover all the business hubs of India to all leisure and holiday hot spots and we cover pilgrimage points and educational centres."

Going into the incentives being offered to tourists by the Indian tourism industry Gangadhar said: "All members of the Hotel Association of India will offer one complimentary night stay in the hotel booked by the tourist. Members of the Indian Association of Tour Operators, who are recognised by the Ministry of Tourism, will offer one complimentary local sightseeing tour in any one of the cities included in the itinerary of the tourist."

Bharma from Oberois said: "We are offering some attractive packages at the luxury Oberoi and five-star Trident hotels in India.

"We are offering an all-inclusive passage through India – 'India in Luxury', which consists of a series of carefully-crafted itineraries that offer a luxurious, leisurely and enriching journey through India and encompass every element of the guest's visit – from full-board stay at Oberoi hotels to seamless transfers and excursions accompanied by knowledgeable guides.

Talking about the Indo-UAE tourism ties, Gangadhar said: "The Ministry of Tourism is looking forward to strengthening the spirit of Indo-UAE partnership for trade development and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

"India's centuries old multi-faceted ties with the Arab World, its geographical proximity, long-standing cultural and trade relations ties between the two nations will help take our partnership to newer heights."

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