A Study on Role of Advertisement in Promotion of Tourism in India Essay Example

A Study on Role of Advertisement in Promotion of Tourism in India Essay INTRODUCTION We live in a marketing and media-driven world. Any organization involved in the leisure and tourism business; arts centers, museums, sports clubs and small hotels to the largest theme parks, airlines and cruise companies, is interested in advertising Many companies think that they should cut expenditure on advertising and redirect it into sales promotions, direct mail, public relations and other forms of marketing communications. Advertising is not an expensive but, rather, is a strategic activity which should be regarded as an investment in the product or brand. Reducing advertising spend may yield short-term savings but may well lead to long-term loss of market share. In the late 1970s Adidas cut advertising spend on its sports shoes and found that the brand was not strong enough to maintain market share in the face of new competitors. It has struggled to recover its former position. Advertising must be sustained to maintain a brand’s market presence since people only buy those products they talk about. â€Å"Out of sight is out of mind for the customer† Effective advertising cannot guarantee success, but it certainly increases its chances. Advertising plays an important and limited role within the process of marketing. Advertising has three basic objectives: * To  inform  customers about new products, experiences, services and other information that they need to be know. * To  persuade  customers to purchase a destination or product, to perceive a destination or product differently or change a brand preference (as an example to perhaps change a customer’s preference for a destination or change of accommodation at a destination) or, * To  remind  customers about a destination or product, where it may be purchased or how it may be purchased (booked). Good marketers see their business from the customer’s viewpoint and organize their entire enterprise to develop relationships with the customer based on trust. Marketing is the ability to develop a mix of marketing strategies to influence customers to buy products and services. This mix consists of a set of four decisions: Product decisions, Pricing decisions, Distribution decisions, Promotional decisions. A product may be a tour package, an airline seat, a destination, a hotel, a meal. The product should provide benefits to the customer; the price ensures the product is priced at a level that reflects consumer value. The distribution component ensures access to the product in the right place at the right time in sufficient quantities to meet customer needs. ADVERTISING: PROMOTION Advertising is only one element of the promotional mix. Advertising is defined and is taken to mean mass communication via newspapers, magazines, radio, television, billboards, the Internet, or direct-to-consumer communication via direct mail. Promotion: can be a short-term activity, but also, when seen at a strategic level, it is mid- and long-term investment aimed at building up a consistent and credible corporate or destination identity. We will write a custom essay sample on A Study on Role of Advertisement in Promotion of Tourism in India specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on A Study on Role of Advertisement in Promotion of Tourism in India specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on A Study on Role of Advertisement in Promotion of Tourism in India specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer THE IMPORTANCE OF ADVERTISING IN TOURISM: In the tourism and hospitality sectors, where the product is a â€Å"service† promotion is more vital than other industries. The tourism product is â€Å"intangible†, â€Å"inseparable†, â€Å"variable† and â€Å"perishable†. There is nothing tangible for the customer to examine beforehand or to take away afterwards. The service is inseparable from its production. The experience is variable and subject to factors beyond marketer’s control. The product is perishable and cannot be stored for sale. The customer buys a holiday on the basis of symbolic expectations established promotionally through words, pictures, sounds . tc. Tourism experiences are constructed in our imagination through advertising and the media. The tourism product is also a discretionary (optional) product, which will be competing for both the customer’s time and money against essential items of expenditure and other discretion ary purchases. These 5 attributes â€Å"intangible†, â€Å"inseparable†, â€Å"variable†, â€Å"perishable† and â€Å"discretionary† mean that the skill in tourism and leisure marketing lies in creating the perceived value of the product. HOW ADVERTISING WORKS IN TOURISM AND LEISURE Advertising is a process of communication. Ads should persuade and suggest things that the consumer may not previously have considered and the persuasion process is achieved through ads. Advertising must create immediate and measurable effects. When effective, advertising (communication) moves customers along a way from â€Å"awareness of a product† to â€Å"reinforcing post-purchase satisfaction†. Stage 1: Awareness: Target market to be aware of product. Stage 2: Comprehension: Potential customers to understand its features and benefits Stage 3: Acceptance: Potential customers must decide that the product can meet their needs. Advertising plays a vital role here. Stage 4: Preference: Advertising must offer for Potential customers a compelling reason to think that the product meets their needs. Stage 5: Purchase: Advertising motivates customers to action or to buy the product. This objective is always linked to sales promotions. Stage 6 Reinforcement: To confirm customers’ choices and create a sense of satisfaction about their actions or purchase. HOW ADVERTISING WORKS? 4 key models are used in planning advertising today: Sales response model: Sales response model is a very simple price-based model. It encourages the purchase of a product purely on the basis of its price. Persuasion model: Persuasion model takes the advertisement as a starting point and if it is effectively compiled, its impact and message should persuade the audience that the product presented is the best one . Brand advantage is secured by highlighting a specific benefit of a product. Brand: product characteristics + added values Involvement Model: It aims to interest and engage the consumer. Once the interest is there, a relationship is created with the audience, to feel good about the product. The next step is the commitment to the product, resulting in increased sales. Saliency model: It depends on innovative brand, product- awareness. It moves the audience emotionally closer to the brand product. It generates a feeling of â€Å"that product is for me†. INTERNATIONAL TOURISM ADVERTISING International tourism advertising  is  tourism-related marketing on the part of a private or public entity directed towards audiences abroad, and might target potential travelers and non-travelers alike. Wholly private firms such as travel agencies, hotel chains, cruise agencies,  non-governmental organizations. When planning tourism advertising it is essential to consider customer buying patterns when planning a holiday (even tourism industry staff). These are the usual steps for most people. STEP. 1   Type of holiday Usually the first question is  Ã¢â‚¬Å"what type of holiday do we want? †Ã‚  This may be a seaside holiday, a touring by car holiday, perhaps a fishing trip, a restful quiet break in a mountain retreat, a houseboat holiday or one of many other options. STEP. 2 – Location â€Å"Where is the best place for our chosen type of holiday?   Will it be within the same state, interstate, perhaps New Zealand? † STERP. 3 Other activities â€Å"What else will we do while there? † What other attractions or activities  are available to enjoy? Other activities of appeal may be bushwalking, visiting wineries, playing golf, water skiing, river cruises, shopping, etc†Ã‚   While there may be a main reason for visiting a destination, usually customers want to know about other features. STEP. 4   Accommodation â€Å"Where shall we stay? †Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"What options are there in type, standard and tariff? † STEP.   Dates and travel method â€Å"When do we want to travel? †Ã‚  Ã‚   â€Å"How will we travel? † STEP. 6  Bookings  Ã¢â‚¬Å"How do we make bookings? † â€Å"Do we need to book in advance? †Booking is also a major concern. Assistance with information: When formulating travel plans, frequently customers need information to assist with their decisions. The most popular sources of information are: * Visitor Information Centres (reached by phone, e-mail or writing) * Internet, websites are very popular with both Australian customers, particularly in capital cities, and overseas visitors Destination brochures * Travel agents (particularly for some destinations reached by air services or cruises) * Automobile clubs (for touring customers) * Friends and relatives who have previously visit ed the intended holiday destination. It is important to note that selection of the destination is a significant part of the process of planning leisure travel. If customers know little about the destination, it is not likely to be high on their list of preferred places to visit. The various steps above need to be kept in mind when designing tourism advertising. As the global travel market continues to expand with yearly increasing flights among international destinations, advertising efforts on the part of the major actors in this market are also increasing. Advertising  campaigns to promote travel to destinations abroad are particularly prevalent in western countries where the general publics expenditures on tourism tend to be consistently high, even in light of the  economic recession. Many advertisers, which include both private entities and foreign governments themselves, share the intended goal of increasing their own revenue by popularizing their service (e. . , airline or hotel chain) or destination to boost receipts from travelers; however, some travel campaigns have additional or alternative purposes, such as promoting good public sentiments or improving existing ones towards them among the target audience. Sometimes, states may use the branding of a product or service, itself, as a means of conveying a specific message without explicitly stating the message; this tactic is often used to soften the implied message itself, thus allowing the brander to sidestep or minimize controversy and/or opposition. DESTINATION ADVERTISING A great degree of ads promoting foreign countries are produced and distributed by the tourism ministries of those countries, so these ads often serve as  vehicles for political statements and/or depictions  of the destination countrys desired foreign public Perceptions. Following are only a few of the many examples of government-produced tourism destination advertising that also serve political or social functions. BAHAMAS: The Bahamas are commonly considered to be a focal point of leisure and recreational travel in the Caribbean and the island nation advertises itself as such. Television ads and website produced by the government of the Bahamas specifically foster the image of the islands providing a care-free, exciting, culturally rich, and even romantic experience for travelers; a recent slogan for the marketing campaign was Its better in the Bahamas to reinforce the contrast between the desired perception as a low-stress getaway and the hectic nature of whatever living environment tourists would be leaving behind. The Bahamas have, however, actually traditionally seen high violent crime rates,  so the tourism marketing attempts to focus the audiences attention on the azure water and beaches and draw it away from any negative elements of life there. Managing perceptions  is a common part of advertising of many consumer products and services, focusing the audiences mind solely on the desirable aspects of whatever is being sold and away from any possible drawbacks or consequences. INDIA The common impression of  India  in the West has long been either negative—including perceptions of widespread poverty, lack of sophisticated hygiene, and violent ethnic and religious clashes—or ambivalent, so the Indian governments Ministry of Tourism began a marketing campaign, Incredible  India, to emphasize the countrys rich culture, historic sites, tourist attractions, and general sense of excitement and dynamism to western audiences. Tourism is an extremely lucrative and growing global industry so it is no surprise that India, a developing nation, is striving to capitalize on that market to boost its economy. In addition, India is also looking to strengthen its international security and diplomatic ties while broadening and deepening its trade relationships, especially with the U. S ,  so it is in Indias interest to promote a positive light for itself among the American and western voting populations in order to garner future international support and aid. MEXICO Recently in 2010 the Tourism Board of  Mexico, a public office that aggregates the resources and interests of the federal, state, and municipal governments, launched a tourism advertising campaign in the  United States  and  Canada—the new campaigns purpose is expressly demonstrated by its marketing slogan, Mexico, the place you thought you knew. The print and television ads feature views of Mexicos beaches, natural wonders, cultural festivities, and historical artifacts like Mayan pyramids and Spanish churches in order to provide a counterbalance to the less preferable popular preconceptions. The eventual goal of tourism board is likely to increase tourism revenue for the country, but, for now, the Tourism Board is focusing on  managing perceptions  among the general populations of Mexicos two major neighboring trade partners. MALAYSIA In 1999, Malaysia launched a worldwide marketing campaign called â€Å"Malaysia, Truly Asia† which was largely successful in bringing in over 7. 4 million tourists. The extra revenue recently generated by tourism helped the country’s economy during the economic crisis of 2008. However, it is mainly Malaysia’s heavy government Regulations of the economy which enabled it to be barely affected by the recent 2008 global economic crisis. In recent years tourism has been threatened by the negative effects of the growing industrial economy. Due to the large amounts of air and water pollution along with deforestation, tourism has decreased in affected areas. EMIRATES Through advertising for the Emirates airline, one of the major themes that Dubai promotes is its evolving status as a key geographic and economic player in the Middle East. Emirates advertising describe Dubai as The perfect hub for an expanding global network THAILAND Tourism is a major economic factor in the Kingdom of Thailand, contributing an estimated 6. 7% to Thailands GDP in 2007. The main marketing slogan for promoting Thailand internationally was Amazing Thailand, but, in reaction to the 2009 tourism crisis, it was relaunched as Amazing Thailand, Amazing Value . By contrast, the main marketing slogan for promoting Thai tourism to the Thai is Unseen in Thailand. ABOUT TOURISM INDUSTRY Tourism is the largest service industry in  India  . It contributes 6. 23% to the  national GDP. According to  World Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2011  ranked tourism in India sixth in terms of price competitiveness and 39th in terms of safety and security In 2011, total Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTA) in India were 5. 78 million. The majority of foreign tourists come to India from USA and UK, Kerala,  Tamil Nadu,  Delhi,  Uttar Pradesh  and  Rajasthan are the top five states to receive inbound tourists. Domestic tourism in 2011 was 740 million. Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra received the big share of domestic visitors. Ministry of Tourism is the nodal agency . It formulates national policies and programmes for the development and promotion of tourism. Concerted efforts are being made by them to promote new forms of tourism such as rural, cruise, medical and eco-tourism. The Ministry of Tourism also maintains the Incredible India  campaign. However inspite of these achievements, Indias tourism industry faces a number of problems such as: * India has a worker shortage. * Insufficient accommodation * Unclean rooms effect tourism adversely. * Food problems concern the foreign tourists. * Many places in the interior of the country are not well-connected by proper roads, railways or airways. * Excessive bureaucracy also delays new hotel and transportation projects, Tourists are often exploited economically * Criminal elements in India can make visits to India unsafe for women and elderly tourists. The tourist attractions in India are also being damaged by pollution. Oil refinery smoke is damaging the TajMahal, while ecosystems of the coasts, Rann of Kutch and the Himalayas are being battered by pollution. Areas Where Problems are Acute * Tourism problems are more common in the rural interior of the country. Orrisa is one of such places where problems are more. * These areas are rich in natural beauty, but they often lack bas ic infrastructure and accommodations for tourists. Often these regions are highly agrarian. The Government is often unable to secure enough land for developing tourism infrastructure, because it adversely affects local farmers. EFFECT OF TOURISM PROBLEMS IN INDIA * Tourism problems have contributed to Indias low share of 1 percent of the worlds total tourist arrival percentage. * It also leads to concentration of tourist attention to certain parts of the country. For example, the transport and communication industries of Delhi, Jaipur, Agra in northern India and Bhubaneswar, Konark, Puri in Orissa are preferred over other equally attractive Indian destinations. These problems also shorten the tourist season in India, which in turn leads to unemployment in off-seasons Future of Tourism * Despite all the problems with tourism in India, the industry has a bright future. * Tourist arrivals in 2012 are expected to rise 22 percent * Foreign exchange earnings from this industry are predicted to rise 33 percent above 2004 earnings. * The positive expectations have been based on the current growth rate of the industry which is being attributed to the fast-growing Indian economy for the past three to four years. Despite short- and medium-term setbacks, such as shortage of hotel rooms,  tourism revenues are expected to surge by 42% from 2007 to 2017 * Indias rich history and its cultural and geographical diversity make its international tourism appeal large and diverse. It presents heritage and cultural tourism along with medical, business and sports tourism. TOURISM IN VARIOUS STATES OF INDIA ANDHRA PRADESH The state of Andhra Pradesh has scenic hi lls, forests, beaches and temples. It is one of the most developed cities in the country and a modern hub of information technology, ITES, and biotechnology. Hyderabad is known for its rich history, culture and architecture representing Its unique character as a meeting point for North and South India, and has a multilingual culture. It is called as city of nawabs Andhra Pradesh has many famous temples: * Tirupati -the abode of Lord Venkateswara is the richest and most visited religious center (of any faith) in the world. Srisailam- the abode of Sri Mallikarjuna is one of twelve Jyothirlingalu in India. * Amravati’s Siva temple is one of the Pancharamams. ATTRACTIONS: * Charminar  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Center of the Hyderabad Old City. Golkonda  Fort – Largest and 400 years oldest fort. * Makka Masjid– Masjid in Hyderabad City. * Ramoji Film City– Largest Film City in the world situated in Hyderabad City. * The golden beaches at  Visakhapatnam, picturesque Araku Valley, hill resorts of Horsley Hills, are some of the natural attractions of the state. ARUNANCHAL PRADESH Arunachal Pradesh is a serene land tucked into the North Eastern tip of India. ATTRACTIONS: * It has picturesque hills and valley * There are places of worship and piligrimage such as Parasuramkund and 400 years old Tawang Monastery. There are also sites of archeological excavations like Malinithan and Itanagar, the serene beauty of lakes such as Ganga lake or Sela lake or the numerous variations of scenic beauty of the snow clad silver mountain peaks and lush green meadows. ASSAM Assam is the central state in the  North-East Region  of India and serves as the gateway to the rest of the  Seven Sister States. ATTRACTIONS * Assam has famous wildlife preserves – The  Kaziranga National Park, which is home to the  Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros. Manas National Park  which is one of the most famous place of Assam * Tezpur, tea-estate. ,bazaars, temples, and wildlife sanctuaries. BIHAR Bihar is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world . The rich culture and heritage of Bihar is evident from the innumerable  ancient  monuments that are dotted all over this  state in  eastern India. ATTRACTIONS: * Patna  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Patna is the capital of Bihar, famous for its rich history and royal architecture. * Gaya  Ã¢â‚¬â€œGaya is known for  Bodh Gaya  the place at which  Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. Muzaffarpur  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Muzzaffarpur is Famous for its education. * Sasaram  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Sasaram is famous for Tomb of Sher Shah Suri, the great Emperor of  medieval India. CHHATTISGARH Chhattisgarh  is a new state but with an ancient civilization and is one of the richest bio-diversity areas in the country. There are many tourist attractions worth seeing. ATTRACTIONS * The state is blessed by nature with magnificent waterfalls, mountains, forests and wildlife Chitrakot Waterfalls, Kutumsar Caves, Ramgarh and Sita Bengra,  Bhoramdeo temple,  Sirpur,  Rajim,  Ratanpur  and  Malhar. DELHI Delhi  is the capital city of India. New Delhi  is famous for its British colonial architecture, wide roads, and tree-lined boulevards. Delhi is home to numerous political landmarks. ATTRACTIONS * It currently has many renowned historic monuments and landmarks such as the  Tughlaqabad fort,Qutub Minar,  Purana Quila,  Lodhi Gardens,  Jama Masjid,  Humayuns tomb,  Red Fort, and  Safdarjungs Tomb. * Modern monuments include  Jantar Mantar,  India Gate,  Rashtrapati Bhavan,  Laxminarayan Temple,  Lotus temple  and  Akshardham Temple * It also has national museums, Islamic shrines, Hindu temples, green parks, and trendy malls. GOA Goa  is one of the most famous  tourist destinations  in India. It is a former colony of  Portugal. ATTRACTIONS * Goa is famous for its excellent beaches, Portuguese churches, Hindu temples, and wildlife sanctuaries. * The  Basilica of Bom Jesus,  Mangueshi Temple,  Dudhsagar Falls and  Shantadurga  are famous attractions in Goa. * Recently a Wax Museum (Wax World) has also opened in Old Goa housing a number of wax personalities of Indian history, culture and heritage. GUJARAT Gujarat is the seventh largest state in  India, located in the western part of India. It is the tenth most popular state in the country for tourists . It is also known asWorlds largest Temple Complex, there are more than 3000 temples located on the Shatrungaya hills, exquisitely carved in marble. ATTRACTIONS * Gujarat offers scenic beauty from  Great Rann of Kutch  to the hills of Saputara. * Gujarat is the sole home of the pure  Asiatic Lions. * Gujarat offers many types of tourism like Business Tourism, archeological heritage Tourism, cultural Tourism, religious Tourism, wildlife Tourism, medical Tourism and much more. HARYANA Capital of Haryana is Chandigarh ,which is a union territory. Haryana Pilgrim Destinations offers the devotes with a wide range of sacred places which are of considerable religious and historical significance. The pilgrim places of Haryana are thronged by devotees all over the year, who visit the important religious places in order to seek divine blessings and eternal happiness. The state of Haryana has a long historical and cultural tradition which is manifested in the numerous religious places which fills the tourist with an intense sense of satisfaction. Some of the notable Pilgrim Destinations of Haryana are: ATTRACTIONS * Kurukshetra- The historical place of Kurukshetra is the cradle of Hindu civilization. The fierce battle field of the holy land of Kurukhshetra is a witness to the discourse between the mighty and valiant ruler Arjuna and his divine charioteer Lord Krishna. * Jyotisar- The ancient place of Jyotisar is the nurturing ground of the values and principles that guide the oldest religion of the world, the Hindu religion. The significance of the place lies in the fact that the holy religious text of the Hindus, the Bhagwad Gita was complied in this sacred place * Thanesar- The sacred place of Thanesar has two important religious temples of the Sthanesvar Mahadev Temple and the Ma Bhadra Kali Temple that draws several devotees throughout the year * Pehowa- The holy land of Pehowa is an important religious place among the Hindus, who pray to the deceased member of their family and offer Pind Daan o release them from the cycle of birth and re-birth * Panchkula- The beautiful place of Panchkula offers the tourist with numerous places of religious and historical importance, including Morni hills and Tikkar Taal. HIMACHAL PRADESH ATTRACTIONS * Himachal Pradesh  is famous for its  Himalayan  landscapes and popular  hill-stations. Many outdoor activities such as  rock climbing,  mountain biking, paragliding,  ice-skating, and  helicopter-skiing  are popular tourist attractions in Himachal Pr adesh. * Shimla, the state capital, is very popular among tourists.. Shimla is also a famous  skiing  attraction in India. Other popular hill stations include  Manali  and  Kasauli. * Dharamshala, home of the  Dalai Lama, is known for its Tibetan monasteries and Buddhist temples. Many  trekkingexpeditions also begin here. JAMMU AND KASHMIR Jammu Kashmir  is known for its scenic landscape . Jammu and Kashmir  is the northernmost state of India. It is also called as Paradise on Earth. ATTRACTIONS * Jammu  is noted for its scenic landscape, ancient temples and mosques, Hindu and Muslim shrines, castles, gardens and forts. * The Hindu holy shrines of Amarnath in  Kashmir Valley  attracts about   Vaishno Devi  also attract thousands of Hindu devotees every year. Notable places are  Dal Lake,  Srinagar, Phalagam, Gulmarg, Yeusmarg and Mughal Gardens etc. * Ladakh  has emerged as a major hub for adventure tourism . It consistsof naked peaks and deep gorges. Leh, the capital, is also a growing tourist spot. KARNATAKA Karnataka has been ranked as fifth most popular destination for t ourism among states of India. It has the second highest number of protected monuments in India, and 507 Kannada  dynastieslike  Kadambas,  WesternGangas,  Chalukyas,  Rashtrakutas,  HoysalaVijayanagaras  and the  Kingdom of Mysore. ATTRACTIONS * Gol Gumbaz,  Bijapur, has the second largest pre-modern dome in the world fter the Byzantine  HagiaSophia. Karnataka  has two   world heritage sites, at  Hampi and  Pattadakal. * Jog falls of  Shimoga District is one of the highest waterfalls in Asia. * Karnataka has 21 wildlife sanctuaries and five National parks and is home to more than 500 species of birds. * Karnataka has many beaches at  Karwar,  Gokarna,  Murdeshwara,  and Surathkal. Karnataka is a rock climber’s paradise. * Fort in Chitradurga, Ramnagaram district near  Bangalore, Shivagangein in  Tumkur  district and tekal in  Kolar  district are a rock climber’s heaven. KERALA Kerala  is a state on the tropical  Malab ar Coast  of southwestern India. Its unique culture and traditions, coupled with its varied demography, has made it one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. it is also called Gods own country†. ATTRACTIONS * Popular attractions in the state include the beaches at  Kovalam,  Kappad, Muzhuppilangad, Cherai and Varkala. * The hill stations of  Munnar,Thekkady, Nelliampathi, Ponmudi and  Wayanad. * The National Parks/ Wildlife sanctuaries at Periyar and Eravikulam . * The â€Å"backwaters region†Ã¢â‚¬â€an extensive network of interlocking rivers, lakes, and canals that centre on  Alleppey, Kumarakom, and Punnamada also see heavy tourist traffic. Cities such as  Kochi,  Thrissur,  Kozhikode  and  Trivandrum  are popular centres for shopping and traditional theatrical performances. MADHYA PRADESH Madhya Pradesh  is called the Heart of India because of its location in the centre of the country. Madhya Pradesh is also known as  Tiger State  because of the tiger populat ion. ATTRACTIONS * Innumerable monuments, exquisitely carved temples, stupas, forts and palaces are dotted all over the state. * The temples of  Khajuraho  are world-famous for their erotic sculptures. * Gwalior  is famous for its fort, Jai Vilas Palace, the Tomb of Rani Lakshmibai, Md. Ghaus Tansen. * National parks like Kanha, Bandhavgadh, Shivpuri are famous for tigers. MAHARASHTRA Maharashtra is the most visited state in India by foreign tourists. Mumbai is the capital of Maharashtra which was earlier called Bombay. Mumbai  is the most popular cosmopolitan city in India, and a great place to experience modern India. Mumbai is famous for  Bollywood, the worlds largest film industry. In addition, Mumbai is famous for its clubs, shopping, and upscale gastronomy. ATTRACTIONS * Ajanta Caves,  Ellora Caves  and ancient  Elephanta Caves  Ã‚  are  in  Maharashtra  . Islamic  Haji Ali  Mosque, to the colonial architecture ofBombay High Courtand  Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminusallare in Maharashtra . * It also has numerous adventure tourism destinations, including  paragliding,  rock climbing,  canoeing,  kayaking,  snorkeling, andscuba diving. * Maharashtra also has several pristine national parks and reserves, some of the best ones are Ta doba with excellent accommodation and safari experiences . * The city of  Pune  the seat of the  Maratha Empire  and the fantastic  Ganesh Chaturthi  celebrations together contribute for the Tourism sector of Maharashtra. MANIPUR Manipur  as the name suggest is a land of jewels. Its rich culture excels in every aspects as in martial arts, dance, theater and sculpture. The charm of the place is the greenery with the moderate climate making it a tourists favourite place. ATTRACTIONS * The beautiful and seasonal Shirui Lily at Ukhrul (district), Sangai (brow antlered deer) and the floating islands at  Loktak Lakeare few of the rare things found in Manipur. * Othermain tourist attractions are:Imphal Churachandpur Keibul Lamjao National Park,War cemeteries and Loktak Lake. MEGHALAYA Meghalaya has some of the thickest surviving forests in the country. Therefore constitutes one of the most important ecotourism circuits in the country today. The Meghalayan subtropical forests support a vast variety of flora and fauna. Shilling is the capital of Meghalaya. ATTRACTIONS * The  Umiam Lake has a water sports complex with facilities such as rowboats, paddleboats, sailing boats, cruise-boats, water-scooters and speedboats. * Cherrapunjee  is one of the most popular tourist . * The popular waterfalls in the state are the Elephant Falls, Shadthum Falls, Weinia falls, Bishop Falls, Nohkalikai Falls,  Langshiang Falls  and Sweet Falls. The hot springs at Jakrem near Mawsynram are believed to have curative and medicinal properties. ORISSA Orissa has been a preferred destination from ancient days for people who have an interest in spirituality, religion, culture, art and natural beauty. Ancient and medieval architecture, pristine sea beaches, the classical and ethnic dance forms and a variety of festivals at  Udayagiri. ATTRACTIONS * K handagiri Caves, Lalitagiri as well as Ratnagiri, on the banks of river Birupa are very famous. Precious fragments of a glorious past come alive in the shape of stupas, rock-cut caves, rock-edicts, excavated monasteries,  viharas, chaityas and sacred relics in caskets and the Rock-edicts of  Ashoka. * Orissa is also famous for its well-preserved Hindu Temples, especially theJagnath Temple at Puri,  Konark