The Indian government organised roadshows in four US cities to attracts American travellers and make them aware of magnificent holiday options in the country. The aim of this roadshow to showcasing India as a "must visit" tourist destination.
The 'Incredible India' roadshow was held in New York, Houston, Chicago and St Louis from June 18 to 22 during which American travel enthusiasts walked through various tourist destinations digitally and informed about travel options through experts and tour operators.
Minister of state for tourism KJ Alphons, speaking at a roadshow in Houston, said India would double the number of tourists from the US within the next three years as visiting India is not just a vacation but a lifetime cultural experience that enriches mind and body.
"Last year 1.37 million Americans visited India and we had 1.25 million Indians visiting America so we want to double these numbers in three years. America is our biggest tourism partner," he said. He also said that "India has everything that any travel enthusiast can dream about and explore; be that Himalayas, splendid architectural monuments, deserts, seacoasts, backwaters, royal trains trips, tropical forests, performing arts, paintings, trekking, cycling, rafting, paragliding, medical tourism, diverse cuisine and vibrant culture,".
Assuring the safety of tourists in India, the minister said, "India is one of the most secure countries in the world - unfortunately, some media have the habit of exaggerating what's happening in a country of 1.3 billion people. India is a very very safe country. The number of tourists visiting India is increasing and many of them, including women, are travelling alone."
"We are now focusing on what we think is the essence of India which is two things, number one the fact that we are a 5,000-year-old civilisation and we don't take you somewhere and say well this is where it was, but where it is we have a rich cultural heritage, which is very much intact and alive, I mean everyone has heard of the Taj Mahal, which of course is a marvel, but we also have 35 other magnificent monuments, numerous 9th century temples, that are architectural marvels, but unexplored," the minister said.
With the focus on projecting India as a "must visit" tourist destination, the roadshows had direct B2B interactions, presentations and press briefings in all four cities.
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