Foreign airlines to promote Indian destinations

NEW DELHI: Foreign airlines like British Airways, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa and Cathay Pacific will now have to promote Indian destinations.
The government has issued an instruction to all airlines to promote Indian heritage and culture on board. Non-compliance would cost dearly, as these airlines may not get seat entitlements. Aviation ministry has devised this unique method to promote ‘Incredible India’. Nearly 100 foreign airlines currently operate flights to various Indian destinations.
“While increasing seat entitlements, we would give preference to countries whose designated carriers promote India as a tourist destination. We have also asked airlines to show short films on India’s heritage cites to passengers on India-bound flights,” a government official said. Germany-based Lufthansa has agreed to popularise Indian tourists centres on its India-bound flights. Other airlines are also expected to follow suit. The ministry of civil aviation, along with the tourism ministry, will review the impact of its suggestion in the next three months.
07/05/08 Nirbhay Kumar/Economic Times

To Read the News in full at Source, Click the Headline

Categories: Foreign May 2008, Indian Aviation- In General May 2008