Year 2015 being observed as 'Visit India Year' in China

NEW DELHI: The year 2015 is being observed as the "Visit India Year" in China, Rajya Sabha was told today.

Various promotional activities are being organised to showcase and promote the varied tourism destinations in India and its products in China with an objective of increasing tourist arrivals, Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma said in a written reply.

The activities include advertising in the local print, online, and outdoor media, participation in travel fairs and exhibition, organising road shows, "know India" seminars, and offering joint advertising and brochure support and inviting opinion makers to visit India under the hospitality programme of the ministry.

In 2012, 1,68,952 Chinese tourists visited the country and their number rose to 1,74,712 in 2013.

He said the ministry has set up an 'Incredible India' helpline on a pilot basis to guide tourists.