In its continued efforts to increase the number of international visitors to California, the California Travel and Tourism Commission (CTTC) has contracted Sartha Marketing of New Delhi to help promote California as a unique tourism destination to travelers in India.

Sartha Marketing Consultants will work closely with the CTTC in a limited representation capacity that strengthens California’s relationship with travel trade professionals in India and increases media exposure of California’s diverse attractions.

“India is an important international travel market that has shown significant growth to the US in recent years,” said Caroline Beteta, CTTC president and CEO and national chair of the US Travel Association.

“As we continue to strengthen international awareness of the California brand, we look forward to working with Sartha Marketing to increase California’s market share of Indian visitors to the US.”

Sartha Marketing will expand cooperative marketing opportunities with airlines and travel distributors, work with operators and retail travel agents in every market to increase visibility of California in tour packages and for special groups, and increase consumer awareness of the California lifestyle and attractions through the media.

A premier travel destination for tourists from around the world, California welcomed more than 13 million international visitors in 2008. .