(a) whether the number of tourists to Ladakh of Jammu and Kashmir
State increasing unexpectedly;
(b)if so, whether the Government plan to improve the tourist
infrastructures to meet the high flow of tourists in the region;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) whether the Government is planning to provide free loans to
locals in Ladakh for running hotels, guest houses, camping sights
etc. and also for running taxi cabs to meet the seasonal rushes?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM (SHRI SULTAN AHMED)
(a): The tourist arrivals to Ladakh increased from 76055 in 2010 to
179204 in 2011.
(b)and(c): Development and promotion of tourism, including improving
tourist infrastructure, is primarily undertaken by the State
Governments / Union Territory Administrations. However, the Ministry
of Tourism provides financial assistance to State Governments, for
improvement of tourism related infrastructure, on the basis of
proposals received from them subject to availability of funds and inter-
se-priority. During the 11th Plan (upto 31st December, 2011), 135
projects of amount `363.41 crore have been sanctioned for Jammu and
Kashmir. In addition, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir spent an
amount of `29.84 crore under the State Plan, during 2010–11 and 2011–
12, for development of infrastructure related to tourism in Ladakh
Region.
(d): There is no such proposal for providing free loans to locals in
Ladakh. However, financial assistance in shape of incentive is being
provided for encouraging private investment to boost tourism,
generate employment and provide better facilities to the tourists.
These incentives include capital subsidy on construction/upgradation
of hotels /guest houses and on purchase of equipment of adventure
sports. Interest Subsidy is also available on loans raised by tour
operators/taxi operators on purchase of vehicles/tourist cabs by
replacement.