The Times Kuwait Report
• A Business Networking Event Highlighting India as a Preferred Destination for Kuwaiti tourists
• Sheikha Intisar called on Kuwaiti tourists to discover India as a continent and not just a country
The Indian Embassy in Kuwait recently organized a B2B Networking Event; ‘Exploring Incredible India 2.0’ that was intended to promote Indian Tourism in Kuwait, at the Millennium Hotel & Convention Centre, Kuwait, on 8th October. H.E. Sheikha Intisar Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah, head of the Intisar Charitable Society, inaugurated this event along with India’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr. Adarsh Swaika.
The event was attended by 10 prominent entities from India’s Tourism Industry, along with more than 100 tour operators and travel agents from Kuwait. The visiting delegation from India presented diverse tourism products and services in India to local tour operators. In the B2B interactions, information about the tourism industry in India, tourism-related products and the opportunity for joint collaboration with their Kuwaiti counterparts in the tourism sector were discussed.
Sheikha Intisar expressed her unforgettable memories and travel experiences to India including Rajasthan earlier this year, praised the bilateral relations between India and Kuwait, which she described as historical and ancient, noting the two countries’ keenness to develop areas of cooperation in various fields. She also reiterated the strong relations between the two countries, as India was among the largest trade partners with Kuwait.
Sheikha Intisar further stated “There are many Indian terms that the Kuwaiti people use in their speech. It is a safe and peaceful country that is distinguished by its diverse culture and people. Its people are beautiful, hospitable and smiling. Its community is dedicated to work and easy to deal with and live with.” She called on Kuwaiti tourists to discover India as a continent and not just a country and it deserves to be discovered.
Speaking to the media Indian Ambassador Dr. Adarsh Swaika highlighted the enormous potential India possesses as a global tourist destination that range from mesmerizing hill-stations to scenic beaches, historically majestic forts, niche tourism products like cruises, adventure tourism, medical tourism, yoga tourism, wild-life and luxury tourism. Importantly, India boasts of 43 UNESCO approved World Heritage sites that make a strong case for India tourism, he mentioned.
The Ambassador also highlighted about India’s growing medical tourism that offers competitive, quality and affordable healthcare facilities. Over 8000 multiple-entry tourist visas were issued by the Indian Embassy last year and the numbers are expected to grow this year.
India, considered as the world’s largest democracy with a vast diversity, is an attractive, preferred and rapidly growing global tourist destination with 9.24 million tourists in 2023, which is expected to reach 30.5 million by 2028.
The Ambassador also pointed out that India welcomed 100 percent foreign direct investment in the tourism industry, tourism related construction projects, including development of exquisite hotels, resorts and recreational facilities.
The 10-member Indian delegation comprised of Maharajas Express – Luxury Train experiences by Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), Taj Hotels & Resorts, Six Senses Fort Barwara (Jaipur) and Six Senses Vana (Dehradun), Dharana at Shillim (Maharashtra), along with wellness centers such as Prakriti Shakti – CGH Earth Experience Hotels, MEDISAFAR, and Somatheeram Ayurveda, as well as the destination management companies (DMCs) Trail Blazer Tours India (TBI) and Gateway Malabar Holidays.
Importantly, ‘Exploring Incredible India 2.0’ was widely attended by tourism stakeholders in Kuwait, including social media influencers as well as representatives from the print and electronic media.
On a concluding note, The Indian Ambassador to Kuwait Dr. Adarsh Swaika explained that the “Explore the Wonders of India 2.0” B2B networking event is part of the embassy’s initiative to highlight India as a preferred destination for Kuwaiti tourists.
