India Tourism, under the Union Ministry of Tourism, is planning to organise a tourism exhibition in Sri Lanka showcasing the southern States of the country, according to Mr Sanjay Sreevats, Regional Director (South), India Tourism.

In an informal chat with Business Line on the sidelines of Mangalore Travel Mart (an exhibition of travel industry) in Mangalore on Thursday, Sreevats said that India Tourism – in association with the Indian High Commission – is planning to organise a tourism exhibition in Sri Lanka in February. “We are trying to involve all the southern States, and showcase the southern part of India in this exhibition,” he said. Under the ‘Look East Policy’ of the Government, India Tourism is now focusing on attracting tourists from eastern part of the world, including China, Malaysia and Thailand. In this regard, the India Tourism office in Beijing is being geared up to promote Indian tourism. Referring to some of the well-known Buddhist tourist spots in India, he said these spots would help attract Chinese tourists to India. “We are expecting a great volume from China,” he said. Earlier, addressing the Mangalore Travel Mart, Mr Sreevats said that tourism sector is the third largest foreign exchange earner for the country. Branding plays an important role in marketing the tourism industry.

Stating that the strengthening of security measures would help boost the Indian tourism sector, he said it is essential for hotels to have adequate security measures in place. The Government of India is already supporting Kerala Tourism Mart, he said and congratulated the tourist sector in Mangalore for organising Mangalore Travel Mart.

Speaking on the occasion, N. Yogish Bhat, MLA of Mangalore (South), said that the Government wants to develop Mangalore on the lines of Santosa Island in Singapore. This would have aqua-marine park and a ring road for the city among others. Alok Mohan, Inspector General of Police, Western Range, Karnataka, inaugurated the travel mart.