http://www.cnn.com/2004/TRAVEL/DESTI....ap/index.html

NEW DELHI, India (AP) -- India is fast becoming a top destination for weary,
work-worn tourists thanks to an aggressive campaign to push the country's
Himalayan spas and secluded beaches, officials say.

Tourism officials have been crisscrossing the globe as part of the government's
"Incredible India" campaign launched last year that also touts the country's
mystical, spiritual and healing traditions. And the results are beginning to
show.

Tourists traveling to India have jumped by nearly 26 percent from last year and
the number is expected to cross 3 million this year, said Amitabh Kant,
chairman of the India Tourism Development Corp.

"Foreign exchange earnings, too, have shown a nearly 40 percent rise this
year," Kant told The Associated Press.

India's earnings from tourism were $4.3 billion between January and November
2004, compared to $3.1 billion for the same period last year.

"Tourist figures are looking up, especially after the way the travel magazines
are raving about India," Renuka Choudhury, India's feisty tourism minister,
told reporters just before leaving for Spain and Italy to push the "Incredible
India" campaign.

Conde Nast Traveler ranked India sixth among the world's top 10 destinations in
its annual readers' traveler awards. India won top points for its cultural
diversity, hospitality and good value for money.

Lonely Planet Online, the Web site of the guidebook series, described India as
among the top five international holiday destinations along with Thailand,
Italy, Australia and New Zealand.

The "Incredible India" campaign focuses on the country's scores of small,
largely unexplored tourist spots, as well as India's traditional healing arts.

A South Korean tourist shakes hands with a member of the new tourist police
force at the India Gate in New Delhi.


"We want to push wellness and spiritual tourism in a big way. We want visitors
to spend a few days at an Ayurveda spa and go back rejuvenated in mind and
spirit," Choudhury said.

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian healing practice that uses herbal remedies.

However, India's infrastructure is still woefully inadequate, and Choudhury
concedes a lot needs to be done.

There aren't enough airline seats available on major carriers, so it's nearly
impossible to get a ticket to India during summer and Christmas school
vacations. And five-star hotels are concentrated in major cities and some hill
and beach resorts.

However, Choudhury noted at least 22 airports are being upgraded, with better
signs, modern toilets, lounges and duty free shops.

A tourist police force has been set up at airports, railway and bus terminals.

Newspapers have noted that some of these police speak no English, but Choudhury
said their helpful attitude and training in etiquette make a difference.
Wayne A. Hazle
http://www.waynehazle.com/travel/