04 January,2009 07:15 AM IST | | Urvashi Seth
Pic/ Narendra Dangiya
Tourism board to hold a fest to attract international and Indian tourists post terror attacks
Post 26/11, the tourism department of India is doing everything it can do to woo domestic and international tourist. From forming a special forum of hoteliers and travellers to organising a seven-day festival dedicated to the courage of Mumbai u00e2u0080u0094 the Tourism Ministry is using every possible technique to boost tourism.
The department has planned a special seven-day festival 'Saptarang' that will be held between January 23- 30.
The festival is a platform for the tourism department to assure people that Mumbai is safe to visit.
The tourism industry has observed almost a 40 per cent downfall in business due to the terror attacks. Compounding the problem was the travel advisory by various foreign countries advising citizens against visiting India.
The inauguration of the event will take place at the Gateway of India on January 23. It will take place at seven different spots in Mumbai where different folk and classical dances will be performed. A special committee has been formed for the seven-day event, which includes experts from various genres event management experts to theatre artistes.
"This campaign is for confidence building. It is to inform the domestic and the international tourist that Mumbai is back to normal and it is safe for them," said a senior official.
State minister, Tourism & Cultural Affairs, Vijay Singh Mohite Patil added, "We are meeting the Chief Minister in the next few days to decide on the matter."
Ajay Ambrekar, Director Cultural Affairs, confirmed that Saptarang is going to take place at the end of this month. "We are yet to book places as we are still in talks," he said. Others like Vijay Chauhan, General Manager of Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), are working to boost tourism in Maharashtra. "We are in talks with the hotel association and tour operators and are trying to work on some innovative packages," he confirmed.
Where events are likely to take place
Shivaji Park
Parel
Mulund
Chembur
Andheri
Bandra
On the Incredible India website
The Office of Foreign Affairs & International Trade, Canada, Netherlands Foreign Ministry has removed its Travel Warning to India.
UK Revises its travel Advisory to India 'We no longer advise against all but essential Travel to Mumbai'.
Mumbai Festival
Mumbai festival commences from January 15 to January 31.
The 5th Mumbai Festival will be inaugurated at Pioneer City Park, Bandra followed by the events.
