The Tourism Minister of India Shri K. Chiranjeevi met the tour operators in the on-going ITB Berlin – The world’s leading travel trade show being held in Berlin.  

While meeting the tour operators, the Minister said that the recent decision of the Government of India to lift the restriction of two month’s gap on re-entry of inbound foreign nationals on a tourist visa will encourage more tourists to visit India. During his address at the International Tourism Bourse (ITB) in Berlin the Minister added that Germany is one of India’s most important tourist markets. The number of tourist arrivals from Germany has witnessed a substantial increase over the last few years. The number of German tourists visiting India in the year 2009 was 1,91,616, which increased to 2,27,720 in the year 2010 and 2,40,235 in the year 2011. He also said that most of the German tourists visit India during winter months and South India, Rajasthan, Goa and Himalayas have emerged as favourite destinations for them. He said growing awareness about Ayurveda, Yoga and wellness has created great interest about India in Germany.

The Minister is currently on a Five day visit to Germany. During his stay he will have extensive meetings with tour and travel operators, travel writers and other stakeholders. The ITB Berlin is one of the premier international travel related events, which provides an effective platform for networking and meeting executives and leaders from all segments of the Tourism Industry from all across the world.

ITB is one of the largest international events in which the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India participates in a very large scale. This year, an area of 870 sq. m. has been taken for the India Pavilion. The theme used in the India Pavilion at ITB Berlin 2013 is “Find what you Seek”, which highlights the fact that India as a tourist destination has something to offer everyone. “Find What You Seek” is the second phase of the Incredible India campaign.

A total of 58 participants from India are attending ITB Berlin. These include 12 State Governments and 46 Travel Agents, Tour Operators, Hotels and Airlines. The States of Andhra Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and West Bengal will be represented by their Tourism Ministers at the ITB Berlin 2013. As in previous years, complementary space is being provided to the North-Eastern states within India Pavilion for showcasing their tourism potential.