Delhi may still be racing to complete Commonwealth Games projects, but publicity for the event is on in full wing.
The ministry of tourism, which is promoting the Games abroad. Began a high-octane advertisement campaign coinciding with the start of Commonwealth Games Baton Relay in London last week.
To optimize the interest likely to be generated by the baton relay run in the participating countries, the ministry will run print and outdoor campaigns in eight high tourist-generating markets – Scotland, Kenya, South Africa, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Malaysia.
“The ministry has earmarked Rs 50 crore for promoting 2010 Games abroad,” said Kumari Selja, Union minister of tourism.
Specially designed posters and outdoor creative were put up in London when the baton was handed over to Indian president Pratibha Patil by Queen Elizabeth on October 29. As the baton moves to other countries – after its UK run ended on Saturday – the campaign will follow with a message “Come Follow me to the Games”.
Ministry officials said the World Travel Market fair, which will start in London next week, will see the Indian pavilion designed in form of a stadium to promote the Games.
According to the initial estimates, the expected turnout for the Games may be over one lakh tourists. But the global slowdown and other issues like the swine flu and security concerns might cut down the tourist inflow.
The incredible India advertisements that have been praised world over; too, promote the Games with pictures of traditional sports. Though these sports are not a part of the event, they are being used to attract attention.
“It is to show that we have traditionally been a sporting nation. The advertisements feature the Kerala boat race, camel polo, archery and martial arts of Punjab and Kerala,” a ministry official said.
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