Hospitality scheme for tour operators, int`l journalists

Chennai(TN), Jan 7 (PTI) The India has launched a
hospitality scheme, offering incentives to tour operators and
international journalists visiting the country, as part of its
initiatives to make India an attractive destination for
travellers.
"They can visit whichever place they want to and the
government will take care of transport and five-star hotel
accomodation for them," Tourism Ministry Regional Director
(south zone) Sanjay Shreevats told reporters here, in the
South Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
He said most tour operators and journalists prefer to
visit beaches in Goa or the Golden Triangle (connecting
Jaipur-Agra-Delhi), while those interested in skiing are taken
to Kashmir.
Shreevats said the Centre also provides incentives to
domestic tour operators who take part in International Trade
Fairs organised in foreign countries.
"They (tourist operators) are verified after which we
provide them upto Rs two lakh as Market Development
Assistance," he said after inaugurating the Travel and Tourism
Fair here on Friday.
He said the Government has also launched the 'Look East
Policy' covering China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong
to encourage Indians to visit these countries.
"In fact, an office was opened recently in Beijing. This
will enable travellers from India to visit these countries,"
he said.
Over 125 participants from all over the country are
participating in the fair. Besides, representatives from Nepal
Tourism Board, Dubai, Sri Lanka are also taking part, G
Ibrahim, executive director of the event organiser Fairfest
Media, said.
Besides Chennai, the fair will be conducted in 12 cities
in India and North America later this year, he added. PTI