Attack on tourists badly affecting sector: Ambika Soni

Mumbai, July 4 (UNI) Union Tourism Minister Ambika Soni has expressed concern over the incidents of attacks on foreign and domestic tourists in India, which could adversely affect the tourism industry.

Ms Soni was speaking at the CNBC AWAAZ Travel Trade Awards 2008 function here last night.

In an oblique reference to the US Consulate's advisory to its citizens to exercise caution while driving or walking on Mumbai roads because of open manholes, Ms Soni said such advisories create a bad impression among the people who who are travelling to India from other countries.

She also expressed concern over public agitations in the country which, too, adversely impact the tourism sector.

Meanwhile, Goa was adjudged the ''Best Travel Destination State, while Bangalore was adjudged the Best Travel Destination City. Agra was Best Travel Destination (Weekend Getaway) in the north, Daman was Weekend Getaway in the west, Ooty in the south and Digha in the east.

UNI JM MAZ RL PM1642