New Delhi, Aug 3 - India will hold tourism roadshows in London and other capitals of Commonwealth countries in a bid to cash in on the Commonwealth Games here next year, Tourism Minister Kumari Selja said here Monday.

'The Commonwealth Games in India next year will be an important event, especially from the tourism point of view. Teams that will arrive here can take the opportunity to explore India thus giving a major boost to tourism,' Selja said at the inaugural function of the two-day meet of the ministry's overseas tourism officials and the private sector.

Selja said that thanks to the ministry's efforts in promoting India as the ideal destination for tourists, there was a 0.2 percent positive growth in the tourist arrival to India.

Because of the global meltdown, foreign tourist arrivals from January to June this year fell by 9.3 percent as compared to last year.

Tourism ministry joint secretary Leena Nandan said special roadshows will be organised in London to attract people to explore India when they come here for the Commonwealth Games that will be attended by athletes from 71 countries.