Filmworld
Saif Ali Khan to promote 'Bollywood Britain' in India
VisitBritain, the country's national tourism agency, has announced actor
Saif Ali Khan as the spokesperson for the 'Bollywood Britain' tourism
campaign in India. He says he shares a deep connect with the country.
With
over 50 Hindi movies filmed in Britain, mostly themed around romance,
the destination provides a perfect setting for couples to celebrate love
and romance whilst on holiday, and this is the focus of the 'Bollywood
Britain' campaign.
Aimed at honeymooners and couples seeking a
romantic getaway, the campaign highlights different movie locations
featured in some of the most popular Bollywood blockbusters, starring
actors such as Saif in films like "Cocktail" and "Love Aaj Kal".
"My
family and I have a deep connection with Britain that spans everything
from cricket to culture and education. A number of family holidays
across Britain, watching my father and grandfather play cricket at
famous cricketing grounds like the Lords, and of course studying there,
has created a bond for me with the place that is unlike my relationship
with any other country.
"I think there is so much that Britain
has to offer a visitor - from breathtaking countryside, to shared
history; the finest in culture that’s so interwoven with our own in many
ways, food to thrill any gourmet, theatre, museums, music, festivals
and more. This is why Bollywood has so favoured Britain as a destination
and the itinerary that takes visitors on a route of Bollywood’s
location favorites is sure to delight,†Saif said in a statement.
According
to Sumathi Ramanathan, VisitBritain’s regional manager for Asia Pacific
and Middle East, Britain welcomed over 375,000 visitors from India in
2013 -- a 10 percent increase from the previous year -- making India the
biggest source market for visitor numbers from the BRIC markets.
Therefore,
the need to create bespoke campaigns that appeal to the Indian visitors
is a priority for VisitBritain. The 'Bollywood Britain' campaign,
showcasing romance, enables Indian visitors to discover and explore more
of Britain including the cities and countryside locations.
“At
VisitBritain, we are delighted to have Saif as our spokesperson for the
campaign. His films set in Britain, particularly in the romantic genre,
have inspired many Bollywood fans and as a frequent visitor to Britain,
Saif is a genuine and passionate advocate of the destination,†said
Ramanathan.