The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in collaboration with tour operators and state tourism departments, actively participated in the prestigious international travel exhibition, ITB Asia, held in Singapore. The exhibition, held from October 25th to 27th, aimed to promote inbound tourism to India, with a focus on the Asia Pacific region. India’s participation showcased diverse tourism products and experiences under the theme ‘Incredible India! Visit India Year 2023.’
Key Highlights
- The Indian High Commissioner to Singapore, H.E. Dr. Shilpak Ambule, officially opened the ‘Incredible India’ pavilion.
- The Ministry of Tourism’s goal was to draw attention to India as a desirable travel destination, featuring various thematic products such as adventure, wellness, Himalayan experiences, ecotourism, sustainable tourism, and wildlife.
- Destination Management Companies (DMCs) like Hyderabad International Convention Centre and Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) showcased their goods and services at the pavilion.
- The UT administrations of Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Puducherry, along with the State Government of Goa, also participated in promoting their unique tourism offerings.
Visit India Year 2023
The year 2023 has been designated as Visit India Year, emphasizing India’s position as a preferred destination in international markets. Singapore and the Southeast Asia region hold particular importance for India, especially for Buddhist tourism. The strong air connectivity between India and the region, with approximately 150 flights operating between the two countries every week, further enhances India’s appeal as a tourist destination.
Sustainable Tourism
India has introduced a national strategy for sustainable tourism, with seven main pillars focused on preserving biodiversity, advancing economic and socio-cultural sustainability, and raising awareness through entrepreneurship and skill development. The ‘Travel for LiFE’ program, part of Mission LiFE, aims to drive behavioral change among tourists and tourism businesses, contributing to environmental protection and climate action. This initiative aligns with India’s G20 priority of Green Tourism within the Tourism Working Group.
