Virgin Himalayan peaks to be promoted to woo tourists

Stepping up efforts to make India a summer tourist destination, the government will promote virgin peaks of Himalaya to woo tourists.
"Summer days are considered as off season in tourism sector and as per the decision, we will promote Himalalya as summer destinations involving six states such as Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal, Sikkim and Darjeeling in West Bengal," said a senior Tourism Ministry official.
Three short films are being made to be shown on TV focusing virgin peaks, availability of amenities, hotels, adventure activities like trekking, cultural festivals and cusines of the each region.
"Generally, not many are aware that 75 per cent of Himalyan range is in India which has several virgin peaks at 6,000 metre and above and these peaks and the nearby areas will be promoted in the campaign," said the official.

The TV commercials will be shown abroad as part of the overseas Incredible India campaign, said the official.
India is percieved as a winter destination and the foreign tourist arrivals witness a significant rise between November and February.

"Our aim is to make India a 365-day tourist destination by promoting Himalaya to attract tourists in summer season as well," he said.
An increase of at least one per cent in country's share in international tourist arrivals has also been projected by the Tourism Ministry in the 12th Plan.
While the growth rate is poised to be about 12.38 per cent, the number of foreign tourist arrivals and foreign tourists visit by the end of 12th Plan is estimated to be 11.24 million.

AS per the 12th Plan projection, the foreign exchange earnings from tourism is likely to increase from Rs 64,889 crore in 2010 to Rs 13,4383 crore by the end of 12th Plan.
Additional foreign exchange from tourism during 2011-2016 is estimated to Rs 69,494 crore.