VISIT INDIA YEAR 1999-2000

The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India proposes to welcome the next Millennium by celebrating the Visit India Year "Explore India" - 1999-2000 starting from 1st April 1999 and culminating on 31st March 2000.  This event would not only coincide with the turn of the century but would also be a part of India's celebrations of the 50th anniversary of it being declared a Republic.

Tourism in India has reached a cross road where the country has made tremendous progress during the last 50 years and achieved a target of 2.4 million tourists in 1997 with an average length of stay of 29.8 days.  The length of stay of tourists in India is considerably higher than the major competitors.

There is a worldwide recovery with growing interest in the people and cultures of South Asian countries.  The growth of internet and computer technology has had a massive impact on information dissemination systems.  There has even been a strong growth in the number of demographic groups with the ability and interest in overseas travel.  As per the World Tourism Organisation forecast, it is expected that the total arrivals of South Asia will reach 6 million in 2000 and 10 million in 2010.  There is no doubt that India, being an active player in tourism, would get a major share of this cake.

In the ambit of the National Policy 1997, the following are proposed to be the objectives for "Visit India Year" 1999-2000.

1. Creating public awareness about economic and social benefits of tourism amongst Administrators,  Planners and masses.
2. Indentifying new market segments and adopting focussed marketing strategies based on intensive research in co-relation with the technologies like Internet, CD-ROM etc.
3. Improvement of the efficiency of tourist facilitation services by coordination with the concerned agencies for better facilitation and imparting of training to functionaries at the cutting edge.
4. Encouraging the State Governments and private sector to create Infrastructure facilities by providing suitable incentives on a selective basis.
5. Strengthening the institutions set up for human resource development and improving the stamdards of training in private institutions through accredition and quality control.
6. Development of various tourism products in India as environmental friendly and sustainable destinations.