(a) whether domestic Indian Tourism is expected to grow at a pace of about 20 per cent per year keeping in view global slow down and decline in international tourism;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has taken any measures to increase incoming tourists and achieve ten fold growth in domestic tourism by the year 2013-14; and
(d) if so, the details of the help and facilities to be extended by the Government to the travellers in achieving the target?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM (SHRI SULTAN AHMED)
(a) to (d): The Working Group on Tourism for 12th Five Year Plan, set
up by the Planning Commission, has recommended a target growth
in domestic tourism of about 12% per annum during the 12th Plan.
The Working Group has also recommended to increase India’s share
of International Tourists Arrivals to at least 1% by the end of 12th
Plan – requiring an annual growth of about 12%.
To increase the foreign tourist arrivals, the Ministry of
Tourism, as part of its on-going activities, releases print, electronic,
online and outdoor media campaigns in the international and
domestic markets, under the Incredible India brand-line, to promote
various tourism destinations and products of the country. In
addition, a series of promotional activities are undertaken in
important and potential tourist generating markets overseas
through the Indiatourism Offices abroad with the objective of
showcasing India’s tourism potential. These promotional activities
include participation in travel fairs and exhibitions; organising road
shows, Know India seminars & workshops; organizing and
supporting Indian food and cultural festivals; publication of
brochures; offering joint advertising and brochure support and
inviting media personalities, tour operators and opinion makers to
visit the country under the Hospitality Programme of the Ministry.
Development and promotion of tourism, including providing
facilities to tourists, are primarily the responsibility of the State
Governments/Union Territory Administrations. However, Ministry of
Tourism provides central financial assistance to the States/UTs for
these activities on the basis of proposals received from them as per
the Scheme Guidelines, inter-se priority and subject to availability of
funds.
Efforts made by Ministry of Tourism for improving the facilities
for foreign and domestic tourists include, creation/upgradation of
tourism infrastructure, wayside amenities, providing last mile
connectivity, increasing the availability of budget accommodation
and trained manpower, etc.
For undertaking various activities relating to the development
and promotion of tourism, the Working Group has also recommended
total outlay of Rs.22800 Crore for tourism sector during 12th Plan.