(a) whether the Government has any proposal to announce the Buddhist Circuit as India''s first trans-national tourist circuit;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the list of countries proposed to be included in the Buddhist Circuit;
(c) whether any agreement has been signed among the participating countries in this regard; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)
(a) and (b): The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India collaborates with its neighbouring countries for promotion of tourist destinations and circuits including the Buddhist Circuit. As an outcome of the 5th SAARC Tourism working Group meeting held on 25th and 26th November 2015 in New Delhi, Ministry of Tourism has formulated itineraries based on themes such as Buddhist Circuit, Archaeological Sites, Adventure and Eco Tourism and has shared the same with the SAARC Secretariat through MEA.
During the 1st Joint Working Group meeting on tourism cooperation between India and Nepal both countries agreed to cooperate for promotion of Buddhist Circuit.
During the Joint Working Group meetings between India and Sri Lanka it has been agreed to assist each other in carrying out joint collaboration on the Buddhist Circuit. A Road Show was organised by the Ministry of Tourism in Sri Lanka in June 2016 when, among the other tourism products the Buddhist Circuit in India was also highlighted and promoted.
(c) and (d): Though no specific Agreement has been signed for the Buddhist Circuit, the Ministry of Tourism has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)/Agreement with Sri Lanka and Nepal for bilateral cooperation in various areas of tourism.
*********