India is looking towards ASEAN countries to boost its tourist arrivals and is luring visitors by providing lucrative offers such as free eco-holiday.
The Indian government is focusing on Southeast Asia for boosting its tourism industry and is offering various incentives to tourists coming from ASEAN nations, as reported by channelnewsasia.
Indian tourism industry has posted growth rate between 12% and 14%, outpacing the global average of 6%. But following the global economic crisis and terrorist attacks, the growth has fallen down to 7%. In 2008, India observed 5.37 Million tourist arrivals, as per ASSOCHAM. Moreover, Delhi is likely to attract nearly 100 thousand visitors during 2010 Commonwealth Games.
India is shifting its focus to new tourism markets mainly because its long-haul markets such as the UK and US are severely affected by the global recession. Thus, India is eyeing on nearby destinations such as Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia.
Moreover, the Indian government has ruled out the fears of low tourist inflow by stating that its “Visit India” campaign will give impetus to the tourism industry and also assured to meet the demand for hotel rooms by tourists visiting New Delhi for the sporting extravaganza in 2010.
In addition, the north east region of India encompasses all characteristics (such as forestry industry including fishery and exotic natural beauty and diverse cultures) that make the place a paradise for tourists. The region offers a unique blend of distinct traditions and festivals.
According to the “Visit India” scheme, on visiting two cities, visitors will be offered free-of-cost sight-seeing of one city and a complimentary eco-holiday. The government is also planning over offering long-term, multiple-entry visas to the tourists from ASEAN nations.
Another special package aimed to lure ASEAN tourists is “Walk with the Buddha” comprising of visit to various religious sites related to Buddhism. In this way, India is dynamically carrying out all the marketing and promotional campaigns, displaying the potential of its tourism sector, in the ASEAN countries.
According to a Research Analyst at RNCOS, “Being geographically close to India, ASEAN countries could emerge as potential tourism markets for India. These countries are very well connected to India particularly with north east region that serve as a link between Southeast Asia and India.”
Related Market Research Reports:
Opportunities in Singapore Tourism Industry (2007-2009)
Egypt Tourism Sector Analysis
Indian Tourism Industry Analysis
