SICHUAN AIMS AT MORE FROM INDIA

“We have a splendid culture and centuries old history. There are five world heritage sites in Sichuan. India and Sichuan used to be at the juncture of Asian tea and silk culture. Indian tourists will have a memorable experience while touring Sichuan,” Jiang Jufeng, Governor of Sichuan, said at a press meet in New Delhi. Sanjay Kothari, additional secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India, said: “India and China have a lot of things in common, one of them being the world heritage sites. Our economies are also doing well. There is ample scope for tourism promotion between us.” Kothari opined that if one percent populations of India and China visit each others country, both countries will be at the top in terms of inbound arrivals in the global tourism market. Zhang Yan, ambassador of China to India said that this is an opportunity to bring the people of China and India together. “Sichuan is famous for its delicious food and giant pandas. In Chinese culture, food is an art. This week, Indian people will see this province closely through various events here,” he added. Explaining the tourism exchange between both countries, Wang Xiang Yun (Alice), director, China National Tourist Office (CNTO), New Delhi said that China had seen a substantial jump in Indian arrivals since 2007. However, she expressed her concerns over low Chinese inbound visitors to India which stood at 100,000 in 2010. According to her, higher hotel rates, visa approval and lack of Chinese guide are among the factors for low Chinese numbers to India But she is optimistic that tourism exchange between both will see a further boost due to increased air connectivity between India and China. Currently, Air China, China Eastern, China Southern and Air India among others connect two countries. All Chinese carriers fly 4-5 weekly flights between major cities of China and New Delhi