By IANS,
Panaji : The Indian government will hold a meeting with all heads of diplomatic missions in the country to discuss some countries’ adverse travel advisories that have begun to affect tourism, Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma said here Saturday.
Sharma said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will address the Dec 22 meeting. “It will help in creating an atmosphere that India is indeed a safe and popular destination,” he said.
“After the Mumbai terror attack, several countries had reacted adversely. This deliberation will help to improve the scenario,” Sharma told reporters, adding that all Indian missions abroad had been instructed to promote India as a safe tourist destination.
He said the government had taken several measures to tighten coastal security following the Mumbai tragedy. “There were some administrative lapses and security, but we are trying our best to ensure that there is no repetition,” he said.
Sharma, who is also the minister of state for information and broadcasting, was here to inaugurate a studio at the Doordarshan centre. He also appreciated the efforts made by the News Broadcasters Association (NBA) to ensure balanced and effective coverage in the light of the criticism received by the television media for its coverage of the 26/11 rescue and relief operations.