Minister fails to turn up for Intl Conference on Tourism

Kochi, Mar 23 (UNI) Union Tourism Minister Ambika Soni was conspicuous by her absence at the ongoing second 'International Conference on Responsible Tourism in Destinations' here today.

Ms Soni, who was expected for the inaugural day of the four-day meet on March 21, could not make it and is unlikely to attend the valedictory function tomorrow.

''It is now certain that she will not be attending the concluding day function,'' official sources said.

Pressing engagements in Delhi had been cited as the reason for her absence.

Sources said the conference was earlier scheduled to be held in September last year and was postponed to March for the convenience of Soni.

However, the Union Tourism Ministry had given full support to the conference and had sponsored the air travel and accommodation of several delegates.

UNI ARC AJ RP BD1545