Tourism map for Indian Himalayas soon

Kolkata, Jan 5: A map of the Indian Himalayas complete with trekking routes will be available soon for tourists, the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) said here on Tuesday.

IATO president Subhash Goyal said the tourism ministry was developing a map of ranges in the Indian part of the Himalayas as part of its 'Incredible Himalayas' campaign to lure domestic and international tourists during the lean summer season.

"Eight states will benefit, from Kashmir to West Bengal, from mountain tourism. We expect that tourism to mountain states will grow by 20 to 30 percent through such initiatives," Goyal told the media here at the 'Travel India 2016' meet.

The IATO had urged the ministry to promote the Himalayas.

"Parwez Dewan, the then tourism secretary, allocated about Rs.3 to Rs.4.5 crore for making a map. Posters have come out and a film has also been released," said Goyal, adding that the map was likely to be launched in 2016.

Of around 7.8 million foreign tourists, 25 percent travel to mountain destinations, said Goyal.

"We are working with Indian Mountaineering Federation to promote the Himalayas," he said.

IANS