Nikki Haley with her Husband Michael Haley at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. (Press Trust of India)
Pitching South Carolina as a "number two" vacation spot in the world, its Governor Nikki Haley on Monday sought to woo the Indian tourists, asking them to not miss out the place.
"This is here where magic happens. I want my Indian community to visit South Carolina. Whether you want to have board meeting or vacation South Carolina is the place," she said.
Ms Haley is on a 10-day trip to India, which began from November 11. She and her delegation are scheduled to have as many as 90 meetings in New Delhi, Hyderabad, Amritsar, Mumbai and Chennai.
Ms Haley, the youngest sitting governor in the US, on her visit said that "India is the most spectacular."
Describing the place as the most "friendliest" in the US and she invited more tourists from India to explore many facets of the state.
Ms Haley was elected as the Governor of South Carolina in 2010, becoming the first female and first Indian-American governor in state history.
She said the state is the number one vacation spot in the country and no 2 in the world. "I want Indian community not to miss out the place."
There are about 300 oceanfront beaches, 360 golf courses, 24,000-sq km of fresh water lakes and rivers in the state. Currently there are about 25,000 Indians visiting the state in a year. "We want the number to increase," she said.
About the economy, she said agriculture occupies top position in terms of GDP and tourism the second.
About her visit to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, she said, "It is a moving experience."
Duane Parrish, Director, South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism said, "Our state is home to a number of diverse, internationally renowned travel destinations, each offering its own signature visitor experience steeped in authentic southern charm and hospitality."
He said in addition to coastal destinations, South Carolina also features a range of quality tourism experiences throughout its inland areas.
South Carolina is a state in the south-eastern US. It is bordered to the north by the state of North Carolina; to the south and west by Georgia, located across the Savannah River; and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean.
The state has among other cities, Charleston, which is known for its historic buildings, a major draw for tourists worldwide.