India hopes to showcase the country as more than just the Taj Mahal

India is looking to promote itself as a year-round destination that caters for all tourism sectors through familiarisation trips for travel agents.

Hoping to encourage tourism beyond the Taj Mahal and Golden Triangle, Additional Director General (Tourism) of India's Ministry of Tourism, Usha Sharma said improved visibility and knowledge was needed to further promote the country.

“We definitely want more fam trips to India so people can learn more about the countryside,” Mrs Sharma said at the conclusion of a series of 'Incredible India' roadshows, held in conjunction with PATA.

Promoting niche tourism products such as meetings and incentives, adventure, medical, wellness, golf, polo and cruise tourism, the roadshow saw twenty Indian tourism leaders and stakeholders showcase the nation’s diverse product to the travel industry in Auckland, Melbourne and Sydney.

Recently appointed Consul General of India in Sydney, Arun Kumar Goel said that while Australians can’t access a visa on arrival, they could now apply for any category of visa at the High Commission in Canberra or at consulates in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth and have it processed “within two working days”.

The Australia/New Zealand region was ranked among India’s top ten tourism source markets in 2011, with further growth expected following the resumption of Air India services to Melbourne and Sydney this year, operated by the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner.