Rajasthan: "The Incredible State of India"

For the past few years, India has gone on a major hype tom-tomming itself as an incredible destination. There can be no denying that the tourism City Palace, Jaipur products of the country are indeed incredible. Taking a cue from the country's tourism blitz - Rajasthan has termed itself as "The Incredible State of India". And why not? Here is a State which is about history and culture , monuments and colour, deserts and wildlife sanctuaries.If India is a unique destination in the world; Rajasthan is what adds the unique flavour to the country . Aside of the sea-beaches , the State has all the tourism products one could think of. Add to that the friendly, amiable nature of the Rajasthanis -- and we have with us the model tourism destination . Even a cursory glance at the arrival of the tourists to Rajasthan is the barometer of Rajasthan's growing prowess as a destination . The domestic tourists increased from 1.25 crores in 2003 to a whopping 2.84 crores in 2008. Similarly, the foreign tourists increased from 6.29 lakhs in 2003 to 14.78 lakhs in 2008. What was even more surprising was that the number of arrival of both domestic and foreign tourists increased despite certain odds. For instance, the advisories issued by different countries did not deter the tourists.Nor did the bomb blasts, agitations, 26/11 outrage or for that matter the swine flu. The tourists continue to come. While the resilience of Rajasthan and its people is praiseworthy --the enthusiasm of the visitors is also to be appreciated for their fierce desire to visit Rajasthan. Said the Secretary Tourism, Usha Sharma, "We're hardselling Rajasthan to the tourists,and the result will be all-too apparent in the times to come. Along with the trade and industry, the department has participated in the road-shows in many cities of the country to woo domestic tourists."