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| Edited By: Ashish K Tiwari |Source: DNA |Updated: Mar 18, 2018, 06:01 AM IST
From Hindi speaking guides at tourist spots to serving masala chai, the US city of Philadelphia is going all out to woo the over 12 million Indian outbound leisure travellers.
It has signed a deal with travel firm Kuoni India to design, promote and market Philadelphia packages for Indian tourists taking leisure travel to the US.
Kanika Choudhary, Philadelphia’s honorary ambassador to India, said the partnership will focus on promoting leisure tourism.
“The approach will be extended to every aspect that Kuoni India will be working with us on. We will also have the city government create a special niche for Indian tourists,” she said.
Under the deal, Kuoni will introduce Philadelphia, which was never launched as a standalone product, in its US tour package. Philadelphia has never been a one-night stay destination in Kuoni’s US itinerary.
Rajiv Duggal, managing director, Kuoni India, said while New York is iconic it is also very expensive as compared to Philadelphia, which is 25% cheaper and still offers tourists a culturally rich American experience.
While arrivals to Philadelphia from China are huge followed by Asia and Europe, Choudhary said traffic from India has started picking up.
“Philadelphia is an ideal destination for discovery as you explore its colourful neighbourhoods, learn more about its rich history and delve into its spectacular sites and attractions. We are putting together a host of offerings for the Indian market and are confident of welcoming 3,000 to 5,000 tourists this year,” she said.
Choudhary is also looking to enhance trade and investment relationships with India. While Pennsylvania as a state has already initiated efforts through an office in Bangalore, Philadelphia will put in place a process to build trade and investments related relationships with Indian companies.
“I have met officials from various chambers of commerce and we are planning to get a delegation to Gujarat this year. We will channelise more such activities with other Indian states in the near future,” said Choudhary.
