Indian government to push crafts stores at airports

Nicole Mezzasalma

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Tourism minister Ambika Soni wants every airport in the country to have stores showcasing Indian crafts and arts

The Indian tourism minister Ambika Soni has requested that all airports in the country have a dedicated space to showcase local arts and crafts, the Times of India reported. These “Incredible India” outlets—the same name as the successful slogan used in the country’s current global tourism campaign—would market Indian souvenirs and handicrafts to travellers, and Soni has asked civil aviation minister Praful Patel to provide space for the stores.

The newspaper added that the Ministry of Tourism feels that the Airports Authority of India should bear the cost for the new shops. This would give the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) the chance to get a foothold in the country’s airports after its joint venture with travel retailer Aldeasa withdrew from operating the duty-free stores at Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International airport and after losing its place at New Delhi Indira Ghandi airport to Alpha Future.