French tourism industry to focus on India

Mumbai, Oct 20 (UNI) The French tourism industry will soon turn its focus on India, Karim Mekachera, director, Maison de la France, the French Tourist office said today.

Talking to mediapersons on the second day of the two-day ''French Connection 2008'' business to business annual meet here, Mr Mekachera said India would be one of the most important markets in the next decade and focus will be on the Free Independent Traveller (FIT), MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing and Exhibitions) and movie industry.

''The number of visitors from India has grown by 15 per cent. Last year we had two lakh visitors from India with a stay period of four to six days. Compared to India, France played host to six lakh Chinese tourists.'' He said the French tourism industry, including Maison de la France would increase its budget to woo visitors from other emerging economies like Mexico and other BRIC nations.

Maison de la France led a 20-member delegation from 16 industries for the business to business meet.

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