The tourism ministry's Incredible India website acquired a business dimension on Wednesday with the launch of an e-commerce platform that will allow firms to conduct a host of travel-related activities.
The platform, developed jointly by the Ministry along with EVIIVO, a tourism e-commerce company, is accessible on the main site www.incredibleindia.org and will facilitate small and medium industries to conduct a host of travel related business activities, mainly booking of accommodation at the destinations.
Terming the e-commerce platform as 'one of
the most effective way of access to the tourism products,' Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni said the platform 'will strengthen our visibility on the Internet'.
Launching the e-commerce platform, Soni said the website has proven to be 'singularly the most effective way' to increase tourist inflow -- from 3.9 million to 4.43 million from year 2005 to 2006.
"At this pace, I am sure we will be able to meet our 10 million arrivals mark in 2010 when Commonwealth Games will be held," Soni said.
She said apart from the SME (small and medium enterprises) the business portal is expected to 'substantially benefit' the medical tourism in the country.