Indian tourism continues to grow

Updated 15 August 2012
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Indian tourism continues to grow

India is home to some of the world’s oldest civilizations. As of 2011, the Asian nation, which has millions of residents, speak more than 15 languages and dozens of dialects, follow a variety of religious traditions and live in a multitude of urban and rural centers. From the humid, tropical south to the rolling plains of the Ganges to the foothills of the Himalayas, the huge country’s geography is as varied as its population. As a result, millions of international and domestic tourists explore India annually, strongly influencing the national economy.
Like the country is endowed with rich natural resources, it is also rich in tourism. It boasts a large number of popular tourist destinations, a growing population and probably the only country, which offers the whole range of products and services to an inquisitive international tourist. In fact, India and China are and will most likely remain the only members of the 1 billion-population club. According to the United Nations projections, no other country will reach a population size of 1 billion persons in years to come.
So far as the popular Indian tourist destinations are concerned, it will take several days for an international tourist to rediscover India either by road or by air. The most popular destinations for international tourists in 2010 were the Indian states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Delhi, while most domestic tourists visited the states of Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, according to the Indian Ministry of Tourism. To attract more tourists to these and other destinations, the Indian government has been initiating several plans, one of them being to attract foreign investment in hotels, restaurants and beach resorts.
The Indian government, of late, has invested millions of dollars in 37 destinations ranked as desirable tourist areas. Other economic incentives include complete tax exemptions for tourist facilities and amusement parks in Uttarakhand, and lower luxury taxes in the state of Rajasthan. There are several other facilities offered by the Indian government for tourists and for those foreign investors, who opt to invest in the tourism sector of India.
A large number of foreign investors have evinced keen interest in investing in tourism sector in India because of the growth of this sector. In fact, the travel and tourism industry is responsible for 6.1 percent of India’s Gross Domestic Product as of 2011. The tourism industry directly and indirectly employs more than 26 million Indian citizens, representing 5.7 percent of the country’s total employment, according to the World Economic Forum.
Additional jobs related to tourism total over 37 million, or 7.5 percent. In 2010, the tourism industry brought in more than $14 billion and experienced an annual growth rate of 24.6 percent. This revenue directly impacts the economy, especially in sectors such as hospitality, hotels, construction, handicrafts, horticulture and agriculture. The hotel industry alone employs 150,000 people. According to the Indian Ministry of Tourism, more than 5.5 million foreign tourists visited India in 2010, representing an annual growth rate of 8.1 percent.
Of the 940 million international tourist arrivals worldwide, India accounted for a substantial percentage in the rank of foreign tourists worldwide. In terms of the amount of money spent by international visitors, India ranked 16th in the world. About 900,000 foreign tourists — 16 percent — came from the US and 700,000 — 13.5 percent — came from the UK.
Indian tourism continues to grow, both in volume and value. It registered a growth of 11.8 percent foreign tourist arrivals in the country in 2010. India’s foreign tourist arrivals have crossed six million in 2011 and are expected to touch seven million this year. These figures have been achieved mainly because of the tourism products and services offered by India on the one hand and because of its natural and cultural beauty on the other.
India is one of the most diverse of countries. It has some of the coldest places in Kashmir, Cherrapunji in the northeast that records the highest annual rainfall in the world, and the Thar Desert, one of the driest places on the earth. India is also home to beautiful beaches. The northern part of the country hosts Himalayan Ranges with snow-capped mountains.
Agra’s Taj Mahal — the mausoleum of Shah Jahan’s favorite and beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal — is among the attractions visited mostly by travelers, both overseas and domestic. It is one of the New Seven Wonders of the world. Completed in 1653, the Taj Mahal was built by a Mogul king. Finished in marble, it is perhaps India’s most fascinating and beautiful monument. This perfectly symmetrical monument took 22 years (1630-1652) of hard labor and 20,000 workers, masons and jewelers to build and is set amid landscaped gardens.
Jaipur is another interesting tourist attraction. It is also popularly known as the Pink City, and it is the capital of the western Indian state of Rajasthan. Lots of people flock to this destination rich in culture to view its various forts and monuments that reflect its glorious past. Tourism is a significant part of Jaipur’s economy. Some of the world’s best hotels are located here.
Another fascinating place in India is Goa, which is famous for its pristine beaches. In fact 90 percent of all the tourism in Goa happens only for its beautiful beaches in coastal areas.
India also offers wonders of astronomy. Kanyakumari is a place to watch the sun. Though there are several places of tourist interests in the town and district, Kanyakumari is especially popular in India for its spectacular and unique sunrise and sunset. The confluence of three ocean bodies — the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea — makes the sunrise and sunset even more special. On balmy, full moon evenings, one can also see the moon rise and sun set at the same time — on either side of the horizon.
The southern state of Kerala is rich in coastal tourism. Situated on the lush and tropical Malabar Coast, Kerala is especially known for its ecotourism initiatives, beautiful backwaters and alternative healing massages. After enjoying a stay in Kerala, one can take a flight and reach the capital city of Delhi, which is yet another fascinating destination for tourists.
Delhi, the capital of India has many attractions like mosques, forts and other monuments that represent India’s history. The important places in old Delhi include the majestic Red Fort. New Delhi on the other hand houses many government buildings and embassies, apart from places of historical interest. The Qutub Minar, Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb have been declared World Heritage sites in Delhi.
In Maharashtra, Ajanta and Ellora caves are known for their 28-30 rock-cut monuments created during the first century BC and 5th century AD, containing paintings and sculptures considered to be masterpieces of art. The caves are located just outside the village of Ajanta and Ellora in the state’s Aurangabad district. Since 1983, the Ajanta and Ellora Caves have been a UNESCO World Heritage site. Last but not the least is Darjeeling in India, which owes its grandeur to its natural beauty, its clean fresh mountain air and, above all, the smiling resilient people for whom it is a home.

 


Venezuelan president sends message to King Salman, affirming ties

Updated 4 sec ago
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Venezuelan president sends message to King Salman, affirming ties

  • The Venezuelan ambassador to Riyadh, David Velasquez Caraballo, handed the letter to the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs

RIYADH: President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro has written to King Salman regarding the relationship between Riyadh and Caracas and ways in which it could be strengthened.

The written communication was handed to Dr. Abdulrahman bin Ibrahim Al-Rassi, undersecretary for multilateral international affairs at the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, by David Velasquez Caraballo, the Venezuelan ambassador to Riyadh, on Thursday. Al-Rassi is also supervisor general of the Public Diplomacy Agency at the Foreign Ministry.

During their meeting, he and Caraballo discussed ways of enhancing bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Venezuela, as well as other topics of mutual interest.


KAUST develops new cooling technology to improve efficiency and lifespan of solar panels

Updated 33 min 50 sec ago
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KAUST develops new cooling technology to improve efficiency and lifespan of solar panels

  • New technology has the potential to cut down the maintenance cost of solar cells
  • Experiments were conducted in cold and rainy regions of the US to test effectiveness in different climate conditions

RIYADH: The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology has made a notable research breakthrough, developing a new composite material that improves the efficiency and lifespans of the cells used in solar panels through cooling.

The new technology has the potential to cut down the maintenance cost of solar cells, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Results of the study, carried out in partnership with the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, were published in the journal Materials Science and Engineering.

The study targeted the issues of commercial solar panels, which only convert around 20 percent of sunlight into electricity, while the remainder is absorbed as heat or reflected away. Other problems include high temperatures, which reduce the efficiency and performance of the cells, shortening their lifespan and demanding more frequent replacement.

This means that cooling is essential, yet traditional cooling systems such as fans and pumps consume electrical energy; passive cooling, on the other hand, requires no electricity.

Prof. Chiaochiang Gan, lead researcher at KAUST, explained that the nanomaterials used in the passive cooling process are thin substances that can be applied to multiple systems that demand cooling, such as solar cells and agricultural greenhouses, without affecting their performance.

He said that the study, conducted through the Center of Excellence for Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies, led to the creation of a material that absorbs moisture from the air at night and releases it during the day.

Covering solar cells with this material, when deployed in coastal areas of Saudi Arabia for weeks, helps keep them cool.

The passive cooling technology also helps reduce the cost of generating electricity from these cells by 18 percent.

Experiments were also conducted in cold and rainy regions of the US to test its effectiveness in different climate conditions; the results proved the technology effective in all environments.

Preliminary studies also show that other applications for the material include light-emitting devices, which typically suffer from reduced efficiency at higher temperatures.

Abdullah Al-Muqbil, researcher at the Institute of Microelectronics and Semiconductors, director of the Optics and Electronics Center of Excellence at KACST, and co-author of the study, noted that these findings also open up potential for application in lighting and laser technologies.

The research team at KAUST achieved a record-breaking performance in solar cell efficiency due to their specialized designs, showcasing the diverse expertise at the university, according to SPA.

The Center of Excellence for Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies is one of four research centers of excellence run by KAUST. It aims to support the Kingdom’s national goals in fields such as artificial intelligence, food security, renewable energy and storage technologies and smart health.


Replacement of Holy Kaaba’s kiswa completed

The kiswa-changing ceremony at the Grand Mosque in Makkah takes place on Thursday morning. (SPA)
Updated 30 min 49 sec ago
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Replacement of Holy Kaaba’s kiswa completed

  • Kiswa exceeds 14 meters in height and is adorned with Quranic verses embroidered with gold-coated silver and pure silver threads, written in the Thuluth script

RIYADH: The Grand Mosque in Makkah faced the dawn of the first day of the first month in the Islamic calendar, Muharram, with the kiswa-changing ceremony by the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques, represented by the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa.

This annual event embodies the Kingdom’s commitment to serve the Two Holy Mosques — not only in organizational and administrative aspects but also on a symbolic and sacred level, given the central place the Kaaba holds in the hearts of more than a billion and a half Muslims worldwide.

They installed the embroidered curtain with gold-plated threads, the hizam (belt), the samadiah (decorative elements), lantern-shaped pieces, and decorations surrounding the mizab (rainwater spout), the corners, and other adornments, creating a captivating scene infused with feelings of reverence and supplication.

The occasion also highlights the pioneering role of Saudi youth, who form the backbone of production, supervision, and execution within the complex. 

National competencies demonstrate leadership in guiding work teams, overseeing design details, and innovative technical solutions that ensure the highest standards of precision — merging exquisite craftsmanship with modern technological aspirations.

The kiswa exceeds 14 meters in height and is adorned with Quranic verses embroidered with gold-coated silver and pure silver threads, written in the Thuluth script, forming a masterpiece that demands precise engineering, care and artistic expertise to preserve its identity and quality over time.

This annual event is not merely a repeated occasion but an extension of a historical legacy established by the Founding King Abdulaziz — and reinforced by King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. It is part of the national vision centered on serving the Two Holy Mosques and enhancing the quality of services provided to pilgrims and other visitors.

Every year, the ceremony to change the kiswa is a memorable scene in the collective memory of the Islamic nations and a living symbol of how the care for the holy sanctuaries has evolved from a responsibility into a leadership role.


Kingdom marks world’s anti-drug day

Updated 26 June 2025
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Kingdom marks world’s anti-drug day

  • More than 922 kg of banned substances seized in KSA over 12 months
  • A number of awareness events were held across the country on Thursday — the UN’s International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

RIYADH: More than 922 kg of banned substances, including more than 20 million pills, have been seized in Saudi Arabia over the past year, the Kingdom’s customs authority announced on Thursday as officials marked the UN’s world anti-drug day.

One recent drug bust in cooperation with authorities from the Syrian Arab Republic thwarted an attempt to smuggle 200,000 amphetamine tablets from the Levant nation, a Ministry of Interior spokesperson said via the Saudi Press Agency.

The announcement was made as a number of awareness events were held across the country on Thursday — the UN’s International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Events in the Riyadh and Asir regions will run until Saturday, educating members of the public about the dangers of drugs.

Smugglers have attempted to bring contraband into the country in various ways, by concealing the items in shipments of food, household utensils, vehicles, shoes and even inside their body cavities, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority said.

The organization places the fight against drugs as one of its top priorities and will continue to tighten security at the Kingdom’s borders, it added.

Jasim Mohamed Albudaiwi, the secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, said that the GCC countries see drug control measures as a top priority.

The GCC states have formed a united front to tackle the use and trade of illicit substances which endanger families and society, he added.

Albudaiwi also stressed the importance of reintegrating recovering drug addicts into society, and highlighted the role that schools, the media, religious leaders and civil society’s institutions play in stopping the use of drugs.

Meanwhile, the Naif College for National Security in Riyadh celebrated the graduation of 63 trainees of various courses on Thursday, including anti-drug programs.

The ceremony was attended by Maj. Gen. Muhammad bin Saeed Al-Qarni, the director general of narcotics control, who congratulated the graduates and stressed that the Kingdom’s anti-drug programs received the full support of the country’s leadership.

The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority has called on members of the public to contribute to the fight against drug smuggling in order to protect society and the Kingdom’s economy.

Reports can be made to the domestic telephone number 1910, internationally via 009661910, or via email at 1910@zatca.gov.sa.

All reports are treated with confidentiality, the authority said, and accurate information will be rewarded financially.


Saudi foreign minister discusses Syria’s stability with US envoy

Updated 26 June 2025
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Saudi foreign minister discusses Syria’s stability with US envoy

  • Tom Barrack, US envoy to Syria, visited Riyadh on Thursday

LONDON: Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the Saudi minister of foreign affairs, received Tom Barrack, the US envoy to Syria, in Riyadh.

During the meeting on Thursday, officials discussed ways to support the Syrian Arab Republic in enhancing its security, stability, and economic recovery, reported the Saudi Press Agency.