Keeping Muslim Tourists in Mind

By Manisha Sharma - Hindustan Times - New Delhi, India

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

After promoting the Buddhist circuit to woo international tourists, the Uttar Pradesh government has now picked up a novel theme — ‘Chasing the Monsoons’ — to invite tourists from the Arab countries.

This is part of the Indian Tourism Ministry’s ‘Incredible India’ campaign that was launched as Integrated International Media Campaign in Arabian Travel Market Convention concluded in Dubai on May 7.

The media campaign was launched to promote India as a must-see tourist destination and focuses on both generic and niche areas to convert the country into a destination all year long.
In this campaign, Uttar Pradesh has invited tourists from Arab countries to UP to enjoy lush green environment and its unique circuits during the monsoon season.

(...)

In order to overcome the shortage in accommodation, efforts are on to build more hotel rooms in the next four years under the new state hotel policy, said Om Prakash, Tourism Principal Secretary. The new ‘Bed and Breakfast’ scheme has been launched to cater to the requirements of more tourists.

Besides infrastructure, the major destination for all tourists is Taj Mahal.

Keeping in mind Muslim tourists, importance has been given to the Sufi Circuit. The circuit includes Fatehpur Sikri, Rampur, Badaun, Bareilly, Lucknow, Kakori, Deva Sharif (Barabanki), Bahraich, Kichocha Sharif, Kade Shah - Kada (Kaushambi), Allahabad, Kantit Sharif (Mirzapur).

All these places have shrines (mazars) or birthplaces of famous Sufi saints. These places are being developed by the UP Tourism department.

[picture: The perfect symmetry of the Taj Mahalis reinforced by its reflection in a still pond. From: Humphrey & Vitesby
Sacred Architecture
Thorsons - ISBN 0-00-766240-8
p. 150]