Embassy of India Berlin focuses on enhancing tourism to India

The India Pavilion at the International Tourism Exchange Berlin (ITB) was inaugurated by Ambassador Gurjit Singh,Shri Ashok Ch.Panda, Hon'ble Minister of Tourism & Culture from the State of Odisha and Shri Vinod Zutshi, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism on 9 March 2016.

The ITB contingent at the India Stand this year consists of 66 co-exhibitors/partners comprising of State / Union Territory Administrations, other Departments, tour operators, hoteliers, resort owners and other stakeholders, who will showcase their diverse tourism products and services. The India pavilion (Hall No.5.2b Stand 205-205A) is designed to highlight India's rich culture/tradition and its contribution of 'Yoga' to the world.

The India Pavilion also hosteda unique Indian Wedding Experience on March 12, 2016 from 1330 hrs onwards, to showcase India as a Wedding Destination. Renowned German actress Ms. CollienUlmen- Fernandes moderated a symbolic Indian wedding with a lucky couple who had won the opportunity through a Facebook contest. The lucky pair also won a 7 day all-inclusive trip to India.

Germany is a very important source of tourists for India, ranking number 7 among the top destinations and was among the first batch of countries to be included for e Tourist Visa facility (eTV) in November 2014.To encourage tourists, the eTV fees has been reduced to USD 48 (plus bank charges) from the earlier fee of USD 60 (plus bank charges).

In order to allay fears regarding safety and security of tourists travelling in India, the Government has also launched a 24x7 Toll Free Tourist Helpline in 12 International Languages including German. The Help line is available on the existing Toll Free Number 1800111363 or on a short code 1363. The Helpline is primarily to provide support service in terms of providing information relating to Travel & Tourism in India to assist the callers with advice on action to be taken during times of distress while travelling in India and if need be to alert the concerned authorities.

The Embassy of India, Berlin organized a special programme on tourism titled India Calls' on the occasion ofITB in the Embassy. The main objective of the event was to showcase the Indian state tourism departments, to acquaint the fraternity of tourism industry with each other and bring them on one common platform of interaction. The main highlight of the event was a photo presentation on the scenic beauty of India captured through the lens of Mrs. Neeru Singh, spouse of the Ambassador. Ambassador Gurjit Singh and Mrs. Neeru Singh shared their journey through the different states of India with the audience.

Secretary, Mi nistry of tourism Shri Vinod Zutshi, addressed the audience indicating that the Indian tourism outlook is very promising with an upswing in the growth of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in India in the recent years. He added thatin 2014, India received 7.68 million FTAs as compared to 6.97 million in 2013 with a growth rate of 10.2%. He said that the target is to continue recording 10% growth rate in international tourist arrivals over the next 3 years through a multi-pronged approach, including proactive marketing strategies in partnership with the tourism stakeholders. He also highlighted the various avenues available in India for Rural Tourism, WellnessTourism, MedicalTourism, Adventure Tourism, Golf, MICE Tourism, Cruise Tourism and the unexplored North Eastern India.

Shri Ashok Chandra Panda, Hon'ble Minister, Tourism and Culture, Govt. of Odisha delivered the concluding remarks where he highlighted Odisha as a tourist destination.

The most awaited part of the event was the lucky draw for one week travel through India on the 'Deccan Odyssey' with spouse. Mrs. Neeru Singh drew the name of Ms. Daniela Langenhagen,Product Manager and Marketing, Chili Reisen, Bremen. The trip on the Deccan Odyssey'wassponsored by Cox and Kings and Maharashtra Tourism Development Commission.

Figure 1: Ambassador Gurjit Singh Lighting the Ceremonial Lamp at the ITB



Figure 2Ambassador Gurjit Singh mesmerising the audience with the photo presentation



Figure 3: Shri Vinod Zutshi, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism speaks at the event.



Figure 4: Shri Ashok Ch.Panda,Hon'ble Minister of Tourism & Culture from the State of Odisha




Figure 5: Madam Neeru Singh with the winner of the lucky drawMs. Daniela Langenhagen from Chili Reisen Bremen