'Indian travel bugs smitten by activity-based tourism'

 Travel and Tourism Fair (TTF), India’s biggest travel show, inaugurated its Bengaluru edition on Friday. The 11-city roadshow presents over 125 exhibitors, including tourism boards of various Indian states (domestic tourism), and nations (outbound travel).

The Travel and Tourism Fair has Nepal as its partner country. The quaint Himalayan state has bounced back with the theme ‘Nepal - Back on top of the world’, overcoming the perils of the devastating earthquake that struck it last year. Meanwhile, feature country New Zealand presented its unique mix of Maori and European cultures.

“Although outbound travel from India is improving and growing at a rate of 17-18 per cent, domestic tourism in India is rock solid,” said G Ibrahim, Joint Managing Director, Fairfest Media.

He notes that Indian travellers have shifted towards activity-based tourism, and seek the outdoors and adventure.

While old faithfuls like beaches, pilgrim centres and scenic beauty continue to be major attractions, he finds that travellers today have new-found interests in soaking in the culture of the place when they travel. “Homestays that offer travellers opportunities to experience destinations’ culture and cuisine are fast proving to gain traction,” he said.

Host State Karnataka showcased hidden wonders of the state, while the event found participation from the tourism boards of Feature States namely, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Telangana.

The Travel and Tourism Fair, which  was  inaugurated by Karnataka Industries and Tourism Minister R V Deshpande, and is on till Sunday.