India to showcase tourism products during Beijing Olympics

New Delhji, Aug 7 (UNI) Seeking to make use of the 2008 Olympic Games, India Tourism has launched a major publicity blitz in Beijing for promoting the profile of its high-voltage "Incredible India" campaign by showcasing the country's rich cultural heritage before a large international audience.

"To take advantage of the large number of participants, visitors and media, who would be present to view the Olympics, we have launched widespread promotional activities in Beijing to bring 'Incredible India' in focus," a top tourism official said.

The activities include a month-long advertising campaign in the important subway stations and junctions in Beijing, with specially designed and illuminated images and creatives.

Advertisements would also be placed in major newspapers, including the "China Daily" and "South China Post" during the Olympics, which would also coincide with the Indian Independence Day celebrations on August 15.

An 'India Evening' has been proposed on August 16 by the Embassy of India. Invitees would include media personnel, major Chinese tour operators, as well as members of the delegation of the India contingent participating in the Olympic Games.

Other proposed events include an exhibition of Indian Handicrafts and Textiles and a Photographic Exhibition on India by Dr Mao Xiaoyu, a renowned photographer who has lived and traveled extensively in India.

Advertising campaigns are also being launched in other countries, to coincide with the Olympics, notable among them being Russia, which is celebrating the 100th year of Russian participation in the Olympic Games.

Incredible India advertisements would be screened on giant digital screens at premium locations in Moscow and St Petersburg on August 8-24. In addition, 'Incredible India' advertising spots would feature on the Euro News channel during the Olympics, to be aired in over 45 countries worldwide.

India Tourism Office in Beijing, the 14th overseas office for Ministry of Tourism was inaugurated on April seven this year by the Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Ambika Soni.

The India Tourism office in Beijing was inaugurated as per agreed plan of action for India-China Friendship Year Celebrations during 2007. Earlier, Government of China had set up a China National Tourist Office in New Delhi in August 2007.

China has emerged as one of the top 15 tourist generating markets for India in 2006. It occupied the fourteenth position with 1.4 per cent share in arrivals. The arrivals from China were merely 1371 in 1981 but have grown to 62330 in 2006 at a compound annual growth rate of 16.5 per cent.

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