Press Release

Familiarization visit of Serbian Tour Operators to India (22-28 September 2017)

       With the aim of promoting India tourism, Embassy of India in Belgrade in association with Ministry of Tourism of India and Turkish Airlines organized a familiarisation trip of Serbian Tour Operators to India from September 23-28, 2017. Ministry of Tourism provided full local hospitality to the group comprising eight prominent Serbian tour operators, namely, S.A.B. Travel, Kontiki Travel, Disko Drugar, Manga Travels, Travelland, Travel Boutique, I.Travel, Jungle Travel and a representative of Turkish Airlines.

       The Group undertook the Golden Triangle tour of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra. Besides being home to one the Seven Wonders of the World Taj Mahal, Agra forms the Golden Triangle of tourism in India. Agra is home to several other important monuments including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.  India’s Capital Delhi is a buzzing city which is home to some of the world famous monuments like the Red Fort, India Gate, Qutub Minar, Jama Masjid, Humayun’s Tomb, Akshardham Temple, Lotus Temple etc. Jaipur, the 'Pink City', is one of the most royal, majestic and colourful cities of India with a very strong historical background and vibrant culture. Literally translated into the City of Victory, Jaipur has always been one of the faces of tourism in India. The city is a visual treat for tourists with its beautiful palaces and forts, the architecture of which highlights the influence of Mughals in the Rajput Empire.

       A workshop was organized by the Ministry of Tourism on 27^th September in New Delhi where 25 top Indian tour operators and government officials participated. The platform was used to exchange ideas, establish contacts and form a network of professionals. Turkish Airlines made a presentation at the workshop where two-way tourism was promoted. The Familiarization visit enabled Serbian tour operators to get first hand experience of India Tourism that would help them to properly present it to their local clients. All tour operators were one in praising the quality of Indian hospitality and the history and grandeur of India.

       A bilateral MOU on cooperation in Tourism was signed in 2004 and tourism promotion was one of the major action points arising from the visit of Serbian Prime Minister (now President) H.E. Aleksandar Vucic to India in January 2017. In 2016, number of Serbian tourists to India grew by 26% and India’s e-visa facility gained popularity. In a welcome move, Serbia has abolished visas for Indian nationals holding ordinary passports w.e.f. 2^nd September 2017. The bilateral Air Services Agreement has been revised recently to promote better connectivity. Indian film shootings have commenced in Serbia which is on the way to becoming one of the sought after destinations for tourists across the globe. 

Place: Belgrade
Date: October 09, 2017