There is much excitement and exuberance in the Indian tourism industry and among official stakeholder circles, as the 2022 Lions Clubs International convention will be held in India for the first time in the over 100-year history of the club.
A record number of 35,000 delegates are expected from 120 countries to come to Delhi for the four-day event. Dr Naresh Aggarwal, who will take over as President of Lions Clubs International in July of this year said in Delhi, India, on April 20 that after the event, he expects the Indian share of world tourism to rise to 3 percent, from the present under one percent.
Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma said that the Lions meeting will be a good opportunity to showcase India to the world. Also, 2022 is important as it will be the 75th year of independence for India.
The usual parade on the occasion will be held in the evening in Delhi, as July is a hot month; generally, it is held in the mornings.
The club, which is very active in India, has pledged to scan the eyes of five crore children for eyesight problems.
Lions leadership has sought help from the government to ease visa rules for the convention.
India won the bid to host the Lions meeting against stiff competition from several other countries.
Over 6,000 rooms have already been booked in five-star hotels in Delhi, and more accommodation will be lined up in due course.
Top hotel managers and agents were present during the media meeting.