Tirol popular destination for Hindi films

Mumbai, Feb 11 (UNI) Tirollywood is no surprise tourist destination in Austria for Indians.

The scenic beauty of this Austrian province, bordering Germany, Italy and Switzerland, is the most favourite and picturesque spots for the Indians. Many might not have gone there, but they would have seen plenty of breath taking spots of the Alps where as many as 70 Indian films, mostly from the Bollywood, had been shot.

Tirol, which started promoting films since 1998 with the setting up of Cine Tirol, is often confused with the locales of switzerland.

The latest film to be shot in the region is Salman khan starrer ''Yuvaraj''.

To cash in on the Indian craze for films, the province had come out with a brochure in which it had highlighted the locales where Indian films have been shot extensively over the years.

Some of them included ''Raju Chacha (1999)'', ''Anji (2000)'', ''Kyaa Dil Na Kahaa (2001)'', ''Tere Mera Saath Rahen (2001)'', ''Daddy (2001)'', ''Ela Cheppanu (2003-Telugu)'', ''Mast (1999)'', ''Fight Club (2005)'', ''Khadgam (2002)'', ''Ice (2003)'', ''Okarki Okaru (2003-Telugu)'' and ''Mehbooba (1999)''.

A tourism team from Austria is currently in india to promote the popular destinations in the country as Indian visitors are increasing over the years.

Ms Theresa Haid of the Tirol told newspersons here today that the Austrian authorities have simplified the visa process and adequate staff have also been deputed to ensure Indian visitors get their visa within a day. Over the next eight years, the country was expecting a 15 per cent annual growth in Indian visitors.

Austria also offers to Indians its latest creation Swarosvki Crystal Worlds, Kristallwelten. A visit to Kristallwelten would give tourists a magical experience, presenting a faceted display of crystalline colours and shapes. Under the direction of Andre Heller, original interpretations by famous international artists melt into a kaleidoscope for all the senses. the paintings, sculptures and installations of Brian Eno, Keith Haring, Salvador Dali or Jim Whiting invite vistors to embark on a sensual journey through the glittering labyrinth. The Kristallweltern had been expanded further in December last year.

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