A group of UK nationals who are in the city on a trip organised by the government of India’s tourism department, feel that India is safe for tourists.
A group of UK nationals who are in the city on a trip organised by the government of India’s tourism department, feel that India is safe for tourists, and the people friendlier after the recent terror strikes.
The guests were speaking on the sidelines of a three-day trip organised by the ministry of tourism (MoT), Government of India and the Taj and Oberoi groups for 18 UK nationals comprising travel operators, travel writers, and mainstream and freelance journalists. To ensure that the tourism business does not take any further hits, the tourism ministry plans to have many such tours throughout the country.
Talking to DNA, Leena Nandan, joint secretary, MoT, government of India, said, “This is just like our ‘famtours’ (familiarising tours) throughout the year. We wanted to tell UK nationals through their press and tour operators that they should come back to give a fitting reply to the terrorists. The country is safe and has a host of attractive venues to add to the 365-day tourism image it enjoys.”
The trip comes after a no-travel advisory was issued by the UK government immediately after the terrorist strikes. “We managed to get that lifted soon,” said Jagdish Chander, director, UK and Ireland, MoT, government of India.
Visit India 2009 has been worked out with all stakeholders in the industry to provide exciting packages and incentives for tourists. Said Kellie Smith, a journalist with Abta magazine, who is on her first visit here, “The place looks safe and people are friendly, even though the memory (of terror) is still on their minds.”
Gwyn Hughes, director, Pales Worldwide (tour operators), said, “I was here two years ago and see that the attitude of people here has not changed. The comfort level has only increased. The only thing that has changed is the security. India will have to bombard the British media with positive stories, like Egypt and Kenya did after problems in their country. That terrorist targeted British and US nationals is still at the back of people’s minds.”
Subhash Thakker, vice-president, sales and marketing, said, “New York benefited with ground zero. Not just foreign tourists, Indians, too, are showing interest in travelling and we plan to tap the local market.”
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