INTERNATIONAL TOURIST FOOTFALL

The Ministry of Tourism undertakes a variety of promotional activities aimed at showcasing India’s tourism potential to international audiences and encouraging travel to the country. These efforts not only focus on global tourism markets but also include specific initiatives to boost tourism in states like Himachal Pradesh. The Ministry uses multiple platforms and strategies to enhance India’s visibility as a top tourist destination.

Key Promotional Activities

Participation in International Travel Fairs and Exhibitions

Ministry participates in prominent global travel and tourism events such as,

• World Travel Market (WTM) in London
• Feria Internacional de Turismo (FITUR) in Madrid
• MITT Moscow (International Travel & Hospitality Show)
• AIME Sydney (Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event)
• ITB Berlin (Internationale Tourismusbörse)
• Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai
• IMEX Frankfurt (International Meeting Exchange)
• IFTM Top Resa Paris (International & French Travel Market)
• Japan Expo
• ITB Asia in Singapore

Chalo India Initiative

• The initiative aims to engage the Indian diaspora by encouraging them to promote India to their international friends. The goal is to invite at least five non-Indian friends to visit India every year.
• A special Chalo India portal has been developed for the diaspora to register and take part in the initiative.
• Gratis e-visa is offered to 100,000 foreign tourists who visit India under this referral program.

Incredible India Content Hub

• Launched on 27th September 2024, the Incredible India Content Hub is a digital platform that provides access to high-quality images, films, brochures, and newsletters.
• It is designed to support stakeholders like travel media, tour operators, and agents by providing resources to amplify India’s tourism marketing.

Hospitality Program for Media and Tour Operators

• The Ministry invites media personalities, tour operators, and influential figures to visit India under its Hospitality Programme to experience and promote India’s tourist offerings.

Collaborations with State Governments and Overseas Indian Missions

• The Ministry partners with State Governments and Overseas Indian Missions to amplify tourism promotions, including 20 identified Indian Missions worldwide.

Regulatory Note

• The Ministry of Tourism is not responsible for determining the rates charged by tourism stakeholders (e.g., hotels, travel agencies) within the country.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	The Ministry of Tourism undertakes a variety of promotional activities aimed at showcasing India’s tourism potential to international audiences and encouraging travel to the country.
International Travel Fairs and Exhibitions	Participation in global events like WTM London, FITUR Madrid, MITT Moscow, AIME Sydney, ITB Berlin, ATM Dubai, IMEX Frankfurt, IFTM Top Resa Paris, etc.
Chalo India Initiative	Engages Indian diaspora to promote India; encourages them to invite 5 non-Indian friends annually. Offers gratis e-visa to 100,000 tourists under the referral program.
Incredible India Content Hub	Launched on 27th September 2024; digital repository with images, films, brochures for marketing by stakeholders like tour operators and media.
Hospitality Program	Invites media personalities, tour operators, and opinion makers to visit India to promote its tourism offerings.
Collaborations with State Governments & Missions	Partnerships with State Governments and 20 Overseas Indian Missions to strengthen tourism promotions.
Regulatory Note	The Ministry of Tourism does not regulate the rates charged by tourism stakeholders.