India sells gourmet tours
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Leading tour operators are trying to cash in on India’s diverse cuisine with companies like Thomas Cook, Mercury Travels and Kuoni bringing around 4-15 gourmet groups annually into the country. The Economic Times said the concept is popular among tourists coming from the UK, the US and Australia.
Comprising around 15-20 members each, gourmet tours could also involve visits to spice plantations or an overnight cruise on a luxury rice barge, the report said. Mercury Travels Executive Vice President Ashwini Kakkar was quoted saying that on an average, 12-15,000 tourists would be visiting India for gourmet tours every year. Though France and Italy are the world’s top gourmet destinations, Kakkar felt India has an edge due to its diverse gourmet options, the report said.
Gourmet tours conducted by Kuoni include a background about the specific regional food like the Mughlai influence on North Indian cuisine followed by a cooking demonstration.
Kuoni Destination Management Chief Operating Officer (India and South Asia) Dipak Deva, was quoted saying: “Tourists who opt for homestays can experience buying vegetables and actual cooking of the same.”
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