RIYADH, 22 September 2005 — An increasing number of Saudis are looking toward India as favorite tourist destinations.
Saudi tourist traffic to India increased by over 16 percent last year and was up a further six percent in the first half of this year as against the corresponding period last year.
Addressing a group of travel agents and newsmen here on Monday night, Prakash Jajoria, regional director of India Tourism Dubai, said a total of 14,778 Saudis visited India during the period.
“Our figures show that a growing number of Saudi tourists are visiting India for medical treatment, education and sight-seeing. A popular destination is Kerala, which has attracted visitors interested in rejuvenation through ayurvedic treatment. Bangalore and Hyderabad are popular with western tourists, especially those interested in the IT industry.”
The country has also emerged as a favorite destination for honeymooners, for whom a special brochure in Arabic was released.
“India has moved beyond the land of snake charmers and now charms tourists with its myriad attractions,” Jajoria said, warming up to the theme of “Incredible India” the slogan of the tourism promotion drive.
Pointing out that there was a 23 percent jump in the tourist traffic from the Middle East last year, Jajoria said India had emerged as one of the world’s top five destinations. He cited a survey conducted by Conde Nast Traveler, a French travel magazine, which showed that India’s ranking in terms of value for money, tourist attractions, connectivity by air and road, among other criteria, placed that country ahead of France and the US.
He disclosed that a brand new tourism product, cruise tourism, would be launched on Oct. 2 for those interested in enjoying luxury cruise from Goa to Lakshadweep islands and back.
India’s Ambassador M.O.H. Farook, was the chief guest at the event, which was also attended by Minister at the Indian Embassy Krishan Kumar, Air-India’s Regional Manager Sentil Kumar and senior officials from the Indian Embassy, besides travel agents.
