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Ministry of Tourism has given top priority for the
development of wayside amenities on the highways and
on the roads linking to our prominent tourism destinations.
State Governments have been asked to prepare projects
to be funded by the Central Tourism Ministry to arrange
for short stay accommodation, clean toilets and other
necessary facilities. Infrastructure of petrol pumps
will also be used for this purpose in collaboration
to facilitate domestic tourists. This was informed by
Smt. Renuka Chowdhury, Minister of State for Tourism
addressing a conference organized by CII here today.
Smt. Renuka Chowdhury said the Government is concentrating
on development of infrastructure in non-urban areas
also so that benefits of tourism can be passed on to
the people living in villages and in remote areas. More
than 50 villages have been identified and each has been
sanctioned 50 lakh rupees for the development of tourism
infrastructure. Connectivity for heritage sites and
the village destinations is being improved. Environment
friendly practices are being adopted while developing
these spots, she said that Andaman & Nicobar would
not be allowed to become another Phuket. Development
plans prepared by the Central Tourism Ministry for the
Island include sustainable eco friendly projects.
Underlining the importance of the role of private sector
in tourism, Smt. Renuka Chowdhury said that her Ministry
has launched several innovative projects for development
of human resource like 'Atithi Devo Bhava' and 'Priyadarshini'.
Private sector should come forward to support these
efforts. Tourism industry should also take up projects
to run cleanliness and hygiene drive at dhabas, small
restaurants and around the tourists' destinations, she
added.
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