8 Sep :India Tourism (Tokyo), Union Ministry of Tourism participated in the 11th Busan International Travel Fair 2008. The Fair which is currently on (5th to 8th September, 2008) in Busan, South Korea was attended by more than 200 organisations from over 30 countries. In a Presentation Ceremony at the Fair, India Tourism, Tokyo was awarded the following awards:
• Best Tourism Promotion Award
• Best Tourism Publicity Award
• Best Folklore Performance Award
The Indian Pavilion was well appreciated by the Mayor of Busan. In addition to this promotional event India Tourism (Tokyo) also launched a month long India Promotional Exhibition in the Busan Tower. The inauguration ceremony of this function was attended by the Vice-Mayor of Busan and other dignitaries. Simultaneously an advertising campaign has been launched in Seoul and Busan in the print media. Last year 70,000 visas were issued to the Korean tourists i.e an increase of 51% during the last three years. A double digit growth is expected in 2008 also.
Tourist Arrivals from East Asia are expected to be on an upswing and Japan will contribute substantially in this regard. India Tourism (Tokyo) is participating in JATA 2008 – a travel fair from 19th September 2008 to 21st September 2008 and Namaste India from 27th September 2008 to 28th September 2008. In addition the Ambassador of India, Japan will be flagging of 10 velo-taxis wrapped in the Incredible India theme on 18th September 2008 as a part of the Outdoor Advertising Campaign.