The Union Minister of State for Tourism Sultan Ahamed has said centre is looking at the issue of recent hike in airfares at the Delhi International Airport. He told reporters in Dubai that the matter has been taken up with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Prime Minister’s Office.

The Minister told that even the domestic tourists are also suffering the pinch of the recent hike in airfares. The Minister said that the Government has taken up several measures to promote tourism in the country. 100 percent Foreign Direct Investment has been allowed in tourism and hotel industry and new tourism destinations have been identified keeping the domestic tourists in mind.

Responding to a question that the persons visiting the country on tourist visa have to wait for two months after their return for another visit, he said efforts are on to resolve the issue. Mr. Sultan Ahmad was talking to mediapersons after inaugurating the India Pavillion at Arabian Travel mart in Dubai.

The India Pavillion at the Arabian Travel market has been set up by the India, Tourism in Dubai to showcase the vast tourism potential of India. Around 50 participants representing the tourism diversity of Heritage, Nature, Culture and Wellness Tourism from India are taking part in the four day event.

The focus this year is on showcasing India as the tourist’s destination for luxury, wildlife and well ness or medical tourism. The Indian exhibitors include tour operators, travel agents, hotels, airlines, hospitality industry etc. State Tourism departments of J&K, and Kerala are also branding their tourism hotspots.

It is expected the meet will add on to the foreign tourist arrivals from the gulf countries and the West Asia region to India. In the year 2011-12 total number of foreign tourists arriving in India was 6.7 million and the Government has set a target of 10 million foreign tourist’s arrival over the next three years.