India is an enormous and hugely diverse country that offers visitors a memorable experience that is beyond most people’s expectations. The beauty of the breathtaking Himalayas in the North, magical charm of colourful Rajastan, surreal beauty of the Taj Mahal, spiritual atmosphere along the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi, and the stunning deserted coastline of Kerala, all combine to make India a truly unique holiday destination.Delhi, the capital of India, boasts an impressive fort, reminiscent of the city’s Mughal past and a maze of curious streets and alleys in the old city. Only a short trip north of the city is Agra, where you can enjoy picturesque views along the river and admire one of the world’s most impressive buildings, the Taj Mahal.

Most manufacturers in Malaysia and India are bullish on globalization making new markets accessible and offering cost savings by outsourcing, a study said Friday.Malaysia’s percentage balance, the difference between the proportions of businesses indicating an opportunity rather than a threat was 73 percent, with India right behind at 72 percent. Grant Thornton accounting firm’s International Business Report 2007 ranked Singapore third at 64 percent.

Manufacturers in Thailand, Australia and New Zealand viewed globalization as a threat, with their respective percentage balances negative 13 percent, negative six percent, and negative five percent. Global manufacturing businesses were most concerned about the impact of raw materials and energy on cost pressures.

With its scenic beauty and rich cultural and natural diversity, southern Spain’s Andalucia region is positioning itself as a dream destination for Indian tourists seeking a holiday with a difference. “Nowhere else in the world can you drive in two and a half hours from perpetually snow-clad mountains to wide beaches, to vast biosphere reserves and to deserts of volcanic ash,” Gaspar Zarrias, vice president of the Andalucia autonomous region, said at a presentation for the media and the travel trade here.

Andalucia is the land of flamenco and bullfights. Its 800 km of Mediterranean coastline hosts a staggering 42 pleasure marinas. It boasts of 104 golf courses - many of them by the sea - five modern airports, 24 nature parks and 32 nature reserves. The region is home to the historic cities of Seville, Cadiz, Cordoba, Malaga, Granada and Almeria. It counts among its proud son’s painter Pablo Piccaso, author Gabriel Garcia Marquez and actor Antonio Banderas.

In fact, it was from the Andalucian port of Palos that Christopher Columbus sailed in 1492 on his voyage that culminated in the discovery of America. “We have a good product to offer and this is reflected in the fact that we received 25.1 million tourists. This number has already been exceeded by one million this year,” said Zarrias, who is the number two in the regional government that has a considerable amount of functional autonomy. “Four out of every 10 visitors is a repeat traveler. This is obviously due to that something special to offer,” Zarrias contended.