1. Taj still top draw for foreign tourists: Poll
The Taj Mahal may be in danger of falling off the list of the new seven wonders
of the world, but it remains the most enduring image of India. The superbly proportioned
marble monument is, despite efforts to promote alternate attractions, by far
the biggest draw for foreign tourists.
The monument
of Shahjahan's love for
Mumtaz Mahal — much discussed and subject of grand celluloid creations — is the
most recalled Indian destination. The findings are part of a recent Gallup poll commissioned
by the tourism ministry, "Evaluation study of overseas markets", that
interviewed 602 trade partners, 8,295 travellers and 518 recent travellers.
The survey noted that 67% travellers mentioned Taj as the most popular
attraction of India, with other competing attractions such as the beaches of
Goa and the Jaipur palaces coming a distant second and third. Also, the survey
claims that for recent travellers, the India experience has indeed been
'incredible'. About 97% of them mentioned that their experience met or exceeded
expectations and highlights were warm and friendly people (50%), cultural
diversity (46%) and plenty to see and do (45%).
Another significant finding is that India seems to be attracting
visitors who are at the top end of the socio-economic pyramid. More than half
of the recent travellers interviewed spent over $3,000 during their stay,
including the cost of accommodation and air tickets.
While interest in Asian destinations has increased by 20% in source markets
like Middle East, Canada,
Europe and Americas,
interest in traveling to India
is around 7%. Among Asian destinations, India
is trumped by Thailand
(37%), Mainland China (31%)
and Japan
(31%).
Internationally, according to World Travel and Tourism Council, Africa
registered the highest annual growth for international tourist arrivals, above
8%, in 2006 followed by Asia and the Pacific
region (7.6%). In sub-regions, South Asia registered the highest annual growth
in 2006 of 10.1% followed by Sub-Saharan Africa (9.4%) and South-East
Asia (9%). Europe and the Middle East
showed a growth rate of 4% in 2006 while the American region was lowest with
2%.
While there is no doubt that India
seems to be riding a new interest in it, the bad news is that the awareness is
mainly through word-of-mouth. Only 1% of travellers interviewed referred to the
tourism ministry's website. The prime attraction in visiting India is
sightseeing, followed by cultural events and shopping.
For those who are not keen
on travelling to India, the
main reasons were safety and hygiene issues or disinterest in what India had to
offer.
http://www.holidayindia.net/taj-mahal-tour-packages/taj-mahal-tour-packages.html
