Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State for Tourism (I/C), Culture (I/C) and Civil Aviation recently launched the new edition of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ television commercials and a brochure titled ‘India- The Land of Yoga’.
The four films, made on the theme of “Atithi Devo Bhava” spread awareness about ways to extend hospitality to tourists visiting India by adopting an honest and helpful attitude, as well as maintaining cleanliness and hygiene. Veteran actor Aamir Khan is the brand ambassador for these impressive films and they have been directed by the eminent ad maker Prasoon Joshi.
Sharma said that the celebration of International Yoga Day is a matter of pride for India and many countries of the world are supporting us in this endeavour. The brochure on Yoga includes details of Yoga destinations which will help to promote Yoga as a tourism product. Speaking on the occasion, Lalit Panwar, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism said that Yoga Day is our unique gift to the world and it will help in promotion of Global Tourism in India.
Sharma said that the Indian Government has launched a Helpline 1363 or 1800-111-363 to help the foreign tourists and guide them on their arrival in India. The helpline will be available in twelve foreign languages within a month to facilitate the foreign tourists. Currently, the Helpline is available in Hindi and English.
He also announced the setting up of s National Medical and Wellness Tourism Board to boost medical tourism in India. The Board will help to bring together and showcase on an international platform the various streams of medicine available in India including Ayurveda, Yoga, naturopathy, Unani and low cost allopathic treatments, he added. He said that this will give an organized structure to medical tourism in India with participation of various stakeholders including the private ones.
