London - India, alongside various stakeholders, such as tour operators and state tourism departments, actively participated in the World Travel Market (WTM) London from November 6-8, where a diverse range of tourism products was showcased.
The offerings and a series of transformative travel experiences within India were presented at the WTM under the theme 'Incredible India! Visit India Year 2023,' as per an official statement from the Ministry of Tourism.
During the event, Sujit Ghosh, Deputy High Commissioner of London, emphasized India's historical marvels, citing examples such as the forts and palaces of Rajasthan, the ancient temples of Khajuraho, and the cave complexes of Ajanta and Ellora. He also highlighted India as a culinary paradise, mentioning, "When it comes to cuisine, India is a food lover's paradise."
The formal inauguration of the Indian Pavilion was conducted by V. Vidyavathi, Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism of India, and Vikram Doraiswamy, the High Commissioner of India to the UK, in the presence of Rohan Khaunte, the Minister of Tourism for the Government of Goa.
Vidyavathi pointed out the importance of exploring both tangible and intangible heritage in India, emphasizing the need to understand and appreciate the intangible aspects, such as languages, music, and dance, to have a comprehensive experience of what India can offer.
Meanwhile, Seo Shekhar Gupta of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board highlighted the state's beauty and its diverse array of tourism destinations and offerings. He stressed that Madhya Pradesh offers a wide range of tourism experiences, from wildlife and heritage to spiritualism, all framed within the context of responsible tourism that empowers local communities.
Notably, the Indian Tourism Ministry and the High Commission of India in London organized an evening of interaction with travel and tour operators from the UK, as well as other stakeholders, to promote the 'Incredible India! Visit India Year 2023' theme. The evening featured cultural programs and a presentation of Indian cuisine, showcasing India's rich cultural and culinary heritage to the UK audience.
This event was part of the Ministry of Tourism's efforts to use WTM 2023, London as a platform for networking, business opportunities, and the exchange of ideas and information among professionals in the travel and tourism industry.