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MAJOR DECISIONS AND INITIATIVES
TOURISM
The UPA Government completes one year on May 21, 2005. During this period, the Government has taken several important initiatives. Some of these are being brought out in the series ‘Major Decisions and Initiatives’.
Record Tourist Arrival
The year 2004 saw tourism in India emerging as one of the major sectors for growth of the Indian economy as a result of various initiatives taken by the Government. International tourist arrivals in the year 2004 grew at 23.5 per cent over that of the previous year. The foreign exchange earnings through tourism in terms of Rupees registered an impressive growth of 32.9 per cent. In absolute terms, the foreign exchange earnings increased from Rs. 16,429 crore to Rs. 21,828 crore.
International Recognition
India was declared amongst top 5 tourism destinations among 134 countries by the leading tourists journal of USA. ‘Incredible India campaign’ was awarded ‘PATA Gold Award’. India was appointed chairperson of WTO Task Force to draw strategy for rehabilitation of tourism in the Tsunami affected areas. The country was also assigned the role of lead country for tourism in the BIMSTEC region.
Revival of Tourism in J&K
Revival of Tourism in Jammu & Kashmir has been taken up as one of the top priorities of the Government. Special package for revival of tourism in J&K has been announced. A number of projects to give a boost to tourism in J&K have been declared, which include setting up of tourist villages across the State with development of infrastructure Rs. 31.5 crore, financial support for 12 prominent tourism destinations and establishment of a new tourist circuit covering Lakhanpur-Basoli-Bani-Bhanderwah-Kishtwar-Sinthan-Srinagar with an assistance of Rs.8 crore.
Boost to Rural Tourism
In view of huge development potential of tourism, 31 rural sites have been identified for development as Rural Tourism Hubs. The main objective of the scheme is to pass on socio economic benefits of tourism to rural areas. Local handicrafts, culture and heritage will be showcased at these villages. Local NGOs and village youths are being involved in the project.
Incentives for Budget Accommodation
Incentives have been provided for augmenting budget accommodation for domestic tourists through budget proposals. This has a multiplier effect on the employment potential with the growth of various facets of tourism like the travel components, infrastructure development, shopping, etc. which are direct and indirect means of increasing the employment potential. The States have also been requested to provide land on concessional rates and other incentives to encourage setting up budget hotels for common tourists.
Medical Tourism
Initiatives have been launched in the sphere of Medical Tourism and Cruise Tourism in partnership with the private sector to make India emerge as a major global hub. Expert committees have been set up to draw plan and criteria for accreditation for the hospitals and related agencies. More than Rs. 5000 crore annual foreign exchange and a large number of job generation activities are expected through medical tourism.
Setting up of Conference Centres
With a view to increase India’s share in the growing business of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events (MICE) segment, it has been decided to support setting up of Large Convention Centres with exhibition facilities at Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore and small Convention facilities at Goa and Jaipur. These centres will not only fetch a large amount of foreign exchange but also give boost to other economic activities.
Night Bazaars
The Ministry of Tourism has evolved a concept of Night Bazaars as an attempt to provide a unique shopping experience and healthy cultural entertainment to the tourists. These bazaars will showcase Indian theatre, poetry, and handicrafts and preserve the traditional art and cultural forms of the country. The first such Night Bazaar was successfully held at Chankaya Puri, New Delhi.
Souvenirs to Give Glimpses of Indian Handicrafts
A scheme has embarked on to design and produce world class souvenirs which are true representatives of India and its heritage produced by local craftsmen. These souvenirs will be sold through special souvenir/ gifts shops branded ‘Incredible India’. Souvenir shopping is a very big activity all over the world. Setting up of the Souvenir shops will not only make available genuine products to the tourists but also ensure a major boost to traditional artisans.
Infrastructure Upgradation in Buddhist Circuits
Infrastructure upgradatation in Buddhist circuits has been taken up in a big way. Roads in six States having major Buddhist destinations and nearest airports are being upgraded with other facilities for tourists. Two new Buddhist circuits, one each in Bihar and UP, have been identified to promote inbound tourism from Japan, China and other Buddhist countries.
Single Window Clearance System for Tourism Projects
In order to expedite creation of world-class tourism infrastructure in the country, State Governments are being pursued to set up Single Window Clearance System. Andhra Pradesh, Goa and Delhi have started such Single Window Clearance.
‘Atithi Devo Bhavah’ Campaign
‘Atithi Devo Bhavah’- a nation wide campaign aims at sensitising key stakeholders towards tourists, through a process of training and orientation. The endeavour is to boost tourism in India, which in turn would act as a catalyst for India’s economic growth. The campaign aims at creating awareness about the effects of tourism and sensitizing people about preservation of our rich heritage and culture, cleanliness and warm hospitality. It also re-instills a sense of responsibility towards tourists and re-enforces the confidence of foreign tourists towards India as a preferred holiday destination.
RK:LV
PIB SF-22 (12.05.2005)
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