Sartha Marketing of New Delhi hired to promote outbound travel to the ‘Golden State’
In its continued efforts to increase the number of international visitors to California, the California Travel and Tourism Commission (CTTC) has contracted Sartha Marketing of New Delhi to help promote California as a unique tourism destination to travelers in India. Sartha Marketing Consultants will work closely with the CTTC in a limited representation capacity that strengthens California’s relationship with travel trade professionals in India and increases media exposure of California’s diverse attractions.
“India is an important international travel market that has shown significant growth to the U.S. in recent years,” said Caroline Beteta, CTTC president and CEO and national chair of the US Travel Association. “As we continue to strengthen international awareness of the California brand, we look forward to working with Sartha Marketing to increase California’s market share of Indian visitors to the U.S.”
Sartha Marketing will expand cooperative marketing opportunities with airlines and travel distributors, work with operators and retail travel agents in every market to increase visibility of California in tour packages and for special groups, and increase consumer awareness of the California lifestyle and attractions through the media.
“California’s diversity of experiences is unique,” said Beteta. “Only California offers natural wonders, world-class arts and culture, fantastic shopping, wine and food attractions, theme parks, spas and golf resorts, dramatic beaches and plenty of vibrant nightlife and entertainment – all in one place.”
A premier travel destination for tourists from around the world, California welcomed more than 13 million international visitors in 2008. The California Travel and Tourism Commission operates full representation offices in Japan, South Korea, China, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, and Mexico, as well as limited representation offices in Italy, Brazil, and Scandinavia. Global visitation generated $18.3 billion, or 19% of overall tourism expenditures, to the California economy in 2008.
The CTTC is a non-profit organization with a mission to develop and maintain marketing programs - in partnership with the state's travel industry - that keep California top-of-mind as a premier travel destination. According to the CTTC, travel and tourism expenditures total $97.6 billion annually in California, support jobs for 924,000 Californians and generate $5.8 billion in state and local tax revenues. For more information about the CTTC and for a free California vacation packet, go to www.visitcalifornia.com.