Subodh Kant Sahai, Union Minister for Tourism, released the 'Incredible India Promotional Calendar 2012' in New Delhi on December 14. Speaking on the occasion, Sahai said the Calendar projects India’s cultural diversity by showcasing the rich architectural heritage of the country. Each leaf of the calendar carries a border depicting the traditional fabric of the represented states along with a brief description.
The 12-page calendar depicts the Taj Mahal, the backwaters of Kerala, the Lotus Temple of Delhi, the Golden Temple, the Mahabodhi tree of Bodhgaya, the Tso-Moriri Lake of Ladakh, Kedarnath Temple, Victoria Memorial, Gurudongmar Lake of Sikkim, Hampi ruins, Jaisalmer Fort and the National Animal-Tiger.
With an aim to attract over 11 million inbound travellers in the next five years, the Ministry of Tourism has rolled out a strategy for next year, said Sahai, on the sidelines of releasing 'Incredible India Promotional Calendar 2012'. The ministry has finalised a plan to launch an aggressive campaign in overseas markets along with opening 12 representative offices abroad.
Promoting India as a year round destination, the ministry is going to focus on new markets like CIS, Middle East and the African countries by organising roadshows, promotional events and language campaigns. Currently India attracts about 5.6 million foreigners in a year and has tourism offices in 14 countries including, USA, Canada, Germany, Italy, Britain, South Africa and Dubai.