India, 4th top travel destination

Once again Incredible India has proved that it is indeed a force to reckon with as a top-notch tourism destination. According to the 2006 Readers' Travel Awards announced by Condé Nast Traveller UK India is the world's fourth top travel destination.

On September 4, winners of Condé Nast Traveller's Annual Readers' Travel Awards were announced at a gala event held at The Ballroom, Claridges in London and will appear in the current issue.

Speaking on India's success, Ambika Soni, Union minister of tourism and culture said, "India's positioning and branding as the destination of choice for the discerning traveller is evident.  We are focusing on infrastructure to create a unique experience for tourists visiting India.  We are confident that in the coming years, India will emerge as the number 1 tourism destination in the world."

India is in stellar company with the other winner countries like Italy (1st), New Zealand (2nd) Australia (3rd) and South Africa (5th).  India has been in the reckoning for the top-most position and has steadily moved up to the fourth position this year from 10th in 2003.

Most of the tourists visiting India are from Britain.

Sarah Miller, editor, Condé Nast Traveller UK, says, "It's great that India is on the up. It's such an amazing continent with so many diverse and appealing reasons to visit that its new ranking within the top 5 of the world's Top 100 in Condé Nast Traveller's Readers' Travel Awards does not surprise me at all. We have featured it quite a lot recently and our readers certainly enjoy visiting - they tell us so. Here's to India's great success."

Kate Slesinger, publisher, Condé Nast Traveller UK, adds "I am truly impressed that, in just four years, India has climbed from 10th to 4th place in Condé Nast Traveller's 2006 Readers' Travel Awards Destinations ranking.  Indeed, it is separated only by a hair's breadth from the top three.

"This first class performance is largely attributable to the hard work and enthusiasm, which India has put into marketing itself to the outside world.

"It is also due to the fact that, as a leisure destination, India delivers what it promises: a diverse and fascinating culture, superb quality in its resorts and an unforgettable experience, which is never the same twice.

"No wonder India is the word on every sophisticated traveller's lips.  In my view, it has the potential to take the crown in the next few years."