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Union Tourism Minister Subodh Kant Sahai today said that the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries should explore ways and means for more exchange of tourists amongst them. Inaugurating the conclave of SAARC tour operators here, he said: "We must motivate each SAARC country in such a way that tourism becomes the focus of economic and political agenda." Asserting that the SAARC region has immense growth potential, which till date has not been fully utilized, Sahai said: "If it could be fully utilized in all possible ways, the SAARC region has the potential to steer the economy of the world." "The cultural diversity of the SAARC region is unique, and the combination of scenic landscapes, natural beauty, and ethnic multiplicity - only add to its international appeal. All these facts unite to make the SAARC region a great tourist attraction. In fact, most SAARC nations have already realized this potential at individual level but with a concerted effort, the success culminated would be many folds," he added. Sahai further said that today in spite of its growing relevance and proven contribution to GDP, jobs and exports, the tourism sector still lacks due political and economic recognition. Referring to the rich ancient Buddhist heritage of India , Sahai announced that "with a view to showcasing and projecting Buddhist heritage of India we are planning to organize an International Buddhist Conclave in Varanasi on September 29 and 30, 2012. "The tour operators and scholars from the SAARC region will be invited to participate in this conclave", he added. He also announced that India would be hosting the 25th Joint meeting of UNWTO Commissions for Far East and the Pacific and South Asia in April 2013. This meeting is expected to be attended by approximately 100 delegates from 27 countries which include tourism heads, tourism officials and officials from UNWTO. SAARC is an important source market for India . 1,013,516 tourists from SAARC region visited India in 2011(Provisional) as compared to 998,179 in 2010. Importantly, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka ranked 3rd and 4th respectively in terms of foreign tourist arrivals to India in 2010. For SAARC member countries, India is one of the major source markets.

Sahai calls for more exchange of tourists in SAARC region