New Delhi:

As India tries to increase its share in the world tourism market, the tourism ministry is looking for a brand ambassador for its flagship logo Incredible India. The ministry is in talks with India’s first Formula One driver Narain Karthikeyan for the job.

Though Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has been the face of Incredible India spreading the social message of cleanliness and Atithi Devo Bhava in India, the ministry needs a global brand ambassador.

After seriously considering Bollywood actors, the ministry has zeroed in on sportspersons to do the job. Speaking to ET, tourism minister Subodh Kant Sahai said: “India needs a brand ambassador to promote Incredible India in the overseas market. A world-renowned sportsperson would be the ideal choice for this.”

According to highly-placed sources, Karthikeyan met Sahai earlier this week and gave a presentation on how he could promote Brand India globally. This includes plans of sporting Incredible India logo with visuals of  Taj Mahal on his racing car and making appearances at India roadshows abroad.

The ministry is showing keen interest as Formula One racing has the second-largest viewership after FIFA World Cup. The ministry had also considered cricketers like MS Dhoni but realised that cricket is not followed in Europe and United States and it could mean leaving out big international tourist markets.

source: http://www.economictimes.indiatimes.com / News> News by Industry> Services / by Nidhi Sharma, ET Bureau / April 21st, 2012