Saif Ali Khan To Promote British Tourism

Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan has been announced the brand ambassador of VisitBritian, the national tourism agency of the country.

‘Bollywood Britain’, which is a tourism campaign in India run by the agency, would have the royal actor as its face. Having studied in England, the actor shares a deep connect with the country.

Talking of the campaign, ‘Bollywood Britain’, it is aimed at honeymooners and couples who seek a romantic getaway, and is expected to work because there are over 50 Bollywood movies shot in Britain in a year. Saif himself has several films to his credit, like Cocktail and Love Aaj Kal, which were shot in London.

“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 favourites is sure to delight,” Saif was quoted saying.
Sumathi
Ramanathan, who is the regional manager for Asia Pacific and Middle East for VisitBritain, says that the country has welcomed over 375,000 visitors from India in 2013, marking a 10% increase from the last year. This has also contributed in making India the biggest source market for visitor numbers from the BRIC markets.

In other news, the actor was awarded the Ghanta Award for worst acting for his movie Humshakals at a recently concluded ceremony.

Image courtesy BCCL