IBSA Pact to promote tourism: Official

Kochi, Sep 21: A tripartite agreement of the IBSA (India, Brazil South Africa) to promote tourism will be signed during the IBSA Leaders' Summit at New Delhi next month, Union Tourism Joint Secretary Leena Nandan said on Sunday, Sep 21.

Talking to reporters after a meeting of the 'IBSA Joint Working Group on Tourism' here, Ms Nandan said senior officials of the three countries finalised the broad guidelines for the Tripartite Agreement at today's meeting.

Stating the three countries recognised the significant role that could be played by tourism in their socio-economic development, Ms Nandan said they agreed to promote cooperation in eco-tourism.

Also, as part of the stepped-up collaboration, the exchange of hospitality industry professionals, faculty and human resource development trainers would be encouraged.

Referring to the 'Workshop of IBSA Tour Operators' held today as part of the ongoing V Kerala Travel Mart here, Ms Nandan said the Joint Working Group recognised the workshop provided a good opportunity to the members of the travel trade to interact.

Besides Ms Nandan, the Joint Working Group meeting was attended by Mr Carlos Rebeiro Santana, an official of the Brazilian Foreign Ministry and Ms Zukiswa Nkhereanye, Deputy Director, Department of Environment and Tourism, South Africa.

Ms Nandan said as part of India's efforts to open non-traditional markets, a tourism office had been opened in Beijing and a massive media campaign -- 'Incredible India'--launched during the Olympics games in the Chinese capital.

As per the response given by the Indian Tour Operators Association (IATO), the effort had evoked a good response and tour operators of both countries were keen to explore the two markets.

UNI