The Indian Tourist Is In Great Demand

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The Indian tourist is being wooed like never before by countries far and near. Turkey, for instance, is keen that Indian tourists come calling, not only to imbibe a bit of history but also to rejuvenate themselves at the number of Spas which dot the country and enjoy what they call ‘Thermal’ holidays. But if you are in a hurry and do not have the luxury of time on your hand, don’t despair. You too, are in demand. Sri Lanka, for instance, promises that it is ‘a-hop-skip-and jump’ away and you can unwind on a quick two-night weekend package. And, at a price which is probably cheaper than a similar holiday in India.

Sri Lanka, which has seen a more than 100 per cent rise in tourist arrivals from India during 2002 as compared to the previous year, plans to increase its distribution channels here to attract more domestic tourists. The assistant Director of the China National Tourist Office, Mr. Liu Baokun said that while till now there were more Indian business people visiting China, that trend was changing. “We are getting more and more Indians tourists visiting Beijing and Shanghai.” Mr. Baokun said.

While the number of tourists from India to Malaysia has been growing and is expected to cross the 200,000 mark this year, the Indian traveller is not being taken for granted. “The Indian out-bound traveller is maturing and wants to go to a destination which offers him flexibility, choice and variety. Now you have Indians visiting not only Kuala Lumpur and Genting Islands but also travelling to Malacca and other islands,” the marketing Manager, Malaysia Tourism, Mr. Bhupesh Kumar, said.

Business Line, New Delhi