India Tourism to showcase myriad attractions at ATM

India Tourism Dubai is set to showcase its multitude of attractions within India at the Arabian Travel Market [ATM] 2011 – the world’s largest exhibition for travel and tourism industry in Dubai. As part of its participation under the banner Incredible India, the entire gamut of tourism potential – both business and leisure travel – will be on show during the exhibition.

At the show – to be held between May 2 and 5, 2011, India Tourism Dubai will provide a glimpse of the newer destinations as also the countless cultural, spiritual and travel experiences that India offers. Foreign tourist arrivals into India have witnessed a steady increase over the years, touching 5.58 million in 2010, a spurt of a whopping 9.3% over 5.1 million tourist arrivals in 2009.

One of the highlights at this year’s Incredible India showcase at ATM 2011 would be the focus on the Medical Tourism potential in the country. Within the scope of this, India’s vast potential as a health and wellness tourism destination, backed by its medical facilities and world-class doctors and hospitals, ancient healing systems such as Ayurveda and other rejuvenating programs coupled with modern medical amenities as also the diverse tourism products such as rural tourism and culture, will be showcased.

Talking about the scope for medical and health tourism in India, Mr. Vikas Rustagi, Regional Director (West Asia & Africa) at India Tourism Dubai, said: “India is a perfect destination for medical tourism that combines health treatment with visits to some of the most alluring and awe-inspiring places of the world. A growing number of tourists are flocking in large numbers because of the superlative medical care, equipments and facilities that India offers. This year at ATM, we would like to focus on these aspects that make India the must-go destination – more so, since we have a dedicated Medical Tourism pavilion at ATM 2011.”

India excels in providing quality and cost effective health care services to overseas tourists. The field has such a huge potential that it can become a $2.4 billion business by 2012. According to a report by RNCOS - a reputed research firm - the medical tourism in India is growing at a Cumulative Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of over 27% between 2009-2012. The number of medical tourists is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 19% to reach 1.1 million by 2012. The report adds that India’s share in the global medical tourism industry will climb to around 2.4% by the end of 2012.

“Come to think of it: The cost of medical services in India is almost 30% lower to that in Western countries and the most cost effective in the entire South East Asia. Indian hospitals excel in cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery, joint replacements, transplants, cosmetic treatments, dental care, orthopedic surgery and much more. All medical treatments and investigations are done using the latest, technologically advanced diagnostic equipments. The cost of infertility treatments in India is almost 1/4th of that in developed nations. You name it and we offer the best and the most cost effective option,” said Mr. Rustagi.

Moreover, India is just about three hours away making it easier for patients to visit even for follow-up – offering unmatched proximity and value-for-money,” he added.

This does not, however, means that only wellness tourism would be the buzzword this year at the India Tourism pavilion in ATM. “We would talk about what makes India the most favored destination for a holiday and business travelers. ATM is one of the most sought after event for the travel and tourism industry worldwide, and we need educate the visitors and delegates on the tourism potential in vogue today in India. Our participation is aimed at building awareness about Incredible India, attract new tourists into the country and retain more travelers from the past with newer attractions and tourism destinations,” added Mr. Rustagi

Amidst the countless ways that India can capture world attention as a tourist paradise, there also exists a dynamic business opportunity as a splendid venue for international conferences and conventions of no less than global standards. India Tourism also sees the economic recession as an opportunity because India’s location in the region makes it a feasible choice for business as well as leisure travel, showcasing segments such as wildlife tourism, monsoon tourism and luxury trains.

India today boasts of world-class MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions) facilities – equipped with the most modern convention centers, airports that contest with the best in the world and efforts to team the famous Indian hospitality with customization as per a visitor’s requirement.

Rapid improvements in accessibility and infrastructure, well trained human resources, falling prices and an aggressive multi-pronged marketing campaign under the banner Incredible India have given a huge boost to the tourism sector and have helped make the multi-faceted sub-continent into one of the most sought after holiday destinations in the world. Welcome to Incredible India.