India has been wooing tourists from around the world and what better occasion can it be than the World Tourism Day?
According to reports, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has issued an order allowing free entry to nearly 200 monuments--including the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world--to mark the World Tourism Day 2015.
The Agra administration has gone all out to lure tourists, and is all set to welcome an estimated 30,000 people to the Taj Mahal, according to reports.
To mark this year's theme of "one billion tourists, one billion opportunities" not just the Taj Mahal, but other hotels, restaurants, emporiums are offering 25% discount to all visitors.
"Of the likely visitors, foreign tourists, who pay Rs 750 per head and Indian tourists, who pay Rs 20 per head, are likely to number 30,000. In total, while the free entry means the authorities will be foregoing a sum total of Rs 35 lakh in fees from both Indian as well as foreign tourist," The Times of India quoted ASI archaeologist Bhuvan Vikrama as saying.
This is not all; a UP tourism official said "the staff along with the members of the tourism board will be present at the cantt station to welcome tourists with sweets and garlands".
Preparing for the rush, the Central Industrial Security Forces (CISF), which is responsible for managing security at the world heritage site, deployed adequate personnel.
Marking the occasion, Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel, said: "On world tourism day, let us resolve to spread the essence of our motherland by contributing towards #incredibleIndia in every possible way."
So if you are anywhere near the Taj Mahal, or around any other monument, do visit it this Sunday.
Every year, September 27 is observed as World Tourism Day by the United Nations.
