California seeks more Indian tourists

New Delhi, March 18 (IANS) Aiming to increase the number of Indian tourists coming to California, the California Travel and Tourism Commission (CTTC) Friday launched their local office in the national capital.

"India is an important international travel market that has shown significant growth to the US in recent years. It is one of the top 10 international markets for California," said Caroline Beteta, CTTC president and national chair of the US Travel Association.

California is one of the largest and most populated states of US. In 2008, nearly 179,000 Indians or approximately 30 percent of the annual Indian visitors to the US, visited California.

"California's diversity of experiences is unique. Only California offers natural wonders, world class arts and culture, fantastic shopping, wine and food attractions, theme parks, spas and golf resorts, dramatic beaches and plenty of vibrant nightlife and entertainment, all in one place," Beteta added.

Asked if they promote California through Bollywood, she told IANS: "We recently did that with Bollywood film 'My Name is Khan' and we are certainly open for any such thing in future also".

In a recorded message, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger also said that he wants to double the Indian visitors to his state.

Sheema Vohra, who will be looking after the local office here, said: "We will work with tour operators and others to increase visibility of California, prepare special tour packages and would also go for promotional activities like road shows and other consumer promotions".