Embassy of India in Kuwait organized a B2B Networking Event for promotion of Indian Tourism on 8 October 2024 at Millennium Hotel & Convention Centre, Kuwait. A delegation comprising 10 prominent entities from the Tourism Industry in India participated in the event.
The event was inaugurated by H.E Sheikha Intisar Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah and Ambassador of India to Kuwait, Dr. Adarsh Swaika. Sheikha Intisar Al-Sabah welcomed the initiative to promote tourism between the two countries, expressing vivid memories of her travel experiences to India including to Rajasthan earlier this year. Ambassador highlighted the enormous tourism potential of India, from hill-stations to beaches to majestic forts to niche tourism products like cruises, adventure tourism, medical tourism, yoga tourism, wild-life and luxury tourism. India is proud to have 43 UNESCO approved World Heritage sites that make a strong case for India tourism. Ambassador also highlighted the growing medical tourism to India that is marked by quality and affordable health-care. Over 8000 multiple-entry tourist visas were issued by the Embassy last year and the numbers are expected to grow this year.
Given India’s attractiveness as a tourist destination, the number of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in India is growing at a fast pace with 9.24 mln in 2023 and projected to reach 30.5 mln by 2028. India welcomes 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the tourism industry under the automatic route. Additionally, 100% FDI is permitted for tourism construction projects, including the 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. Indian Airlines IndiGo as well as Akasa Air also participated in the Event.
Over 100 tour operators and travels agents in Kuwait participated in the event. India’s diverse tourism products and services were presented to the local tour operators by the visiting delegation from India. In the B2B interactions, information about India’s tourism industry, tourism-related products and opportunity for joint collaboration with the Kuwaiti counterparts in tourism sector were discussed. The event was well attended by tourism stakeholders in Kuwait, including social media influencers as well as representatives from the print and electronic media.
The “Exploring Incredible India 2.0” B2B Networking event is part of Embassy’s initiative to highlight India as a preferred destination for Kuwaiti tourists. Embassy has been continuously conducting tourism promotion events in Kuwait, including in B2B and B2C formats. Further, Embassy continues to regularly interact with tourism stakeholders in Kuwait for enhancing tourism to India.