New Delhi, Apr 4 (KNN) The average annual growth of international tourist arrivals to South Asia is growing at double the rate when compared to rest of the world though the sub-continent’s share of tourist arrivals is very low at 1.3 per cent, said Tourism Minister K Chiranjeevi today.

“In spite of rich heritage, the market share of South Asia in world tourist arrivals is only 1.3  per cent - which is a cause of concern.  On a positive note the average annual growth in international tourist arrivals to the region during the period 2005 to 2011 has been 7.2 per cent as compared to the world annual average growth of 3.5 per cent during the same period,” he said.

The Tourism Minister also said, “South Asian region has rich and varied tourism products to attract visitors from the world over – with heritage and culture dating back to thousands of years, architectural and natural marvels, an unmatched bio-diversity and home to almost all the world religions.”

He called for development of tourism in a sustainable manner to ensure economic growth, employment generation and social integration.

Meanwhile India will be hosting United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Commission’s Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development and 25th Joint Meeting of the UNWTO Commission for East Asia, Pacific and South Asia in Hyderabad from 12th to 14th of this month.

“The UNWTO Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development will include a global review on sustainable tourism development and sustainable practices as well an industry and media perspective on sustainable criteria for tourism,” he said.

Over 250 delegates are expected to participate in the Sustainable Tourism Conference. They will include UNWTO delegates as well as representatives from state governments and union territories as well as private stakeholders from the travel and hospitality industries.

India is currently the chairperson of the UNWTO Regional Commission for South Asia.  (KNN)