(a) whether the Government has any proposal to organise International Buddhist Conclave in 2011 to enhance Buddhist Tourism;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the other steps taken by the Government to enhance the Buddhist tourism in the country?
THE MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI SUBODH KANT SAHAI)
(a): No, Madam.
(b): Question does not arise.
(c): The Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India, undertakes several
promotional activities in the domestic and international markets for
promotion of the varied tourism products and destinations of the
country including Buddhist Heritage, Sites and Circuits. Some of the
specific activities undertaken by the Ministry of Tourism to promote
Buddhist tourism are as follows:
(i) International Buddhist Conclaves were organized in New Delhi in
February, 2004 and in Nalanda, Bihar in February, 2010.
(ii) Publicity material and collaterals in English and foreign
languages produced for the domestic and international markets.
(iii) Media campaigns in the print and electronic media undertaken in
the domestic and international markets.
(iv) Presentations on Buddhist tourism made and Road Shows
organized in the major source markets abroad. Ministry of
Tourism organized presentation on Buddhist Tourism and Road
Shows in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam in the month of May
2011 to promote Buddhist Tourism.
(v) Familiarisation Tours for trade, media and opinion makers from
overseas to Buddhist Sites and Circuits in the country and on the
special Mahaparinirvana Buddhist Tourist Train organized under
the Hospitality scheme of the Ministry.