New Delhi : The Nevada Commission on Tourism is attending South Asia’s leading travel and tourism event this week to open the doors to Indian visitors, Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki announced today.

“We know that Nevada is already a top destination for Indian travelers and that can only increase as the Indian economy strengthens in 2014,” Krolicki, chair of the Nevada Commission on Tourism said. “With more than 50 million passport holders in India, and a large – and growing – middle class with a desire to travel internationally, India is primed to be the next big market for Nevada.”

Krolicki joined members of the international marketing organization Brand USA to address dignitaries and media in New Delhi while NCOT and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority attended SATTE, an international trade show joining destinations with more than 2,000 travel agents and tour operators in India.

The appointment-style trade show is an opportunity for Nevada to meet agents and tour operators who send travelers to the United States and encourage them to consider adding more Nevada destinations to their tours.

“We know that trade shows such as SATTE directly increase tourism to Nevada, and this opportunity is strengthened by the cooperative efforts of Las Vegas and Brand USA,” Krolicki said.

Tourism is a $58 billion industry in Nevada, employing more than 450,000 Nevadans and generating $2.7 billion in tax revenue for the state. Las Vegas is a world-famous destination within Nevada. The contrast of Las Vegas’ exciting entertainment and nightlife with the state’s historic and natural attractions makes it an attractive destination for international travelers. Visitors can experience the thrill of Las Vegas and the natural beauty and serenity of the mountains and desert in one convenient vacation.

“Research shows that Indian travelers want a destination with shopping, fine cuisine, entertainment, culture, adventure, and beauty, and Nevada has all of that and more,” Krolicki said. “I have no doubt that our time will be well spent educating South Asia’s travel industry what Nevada has to offer.”