(a) whether the Government proposes to introduce a competitive Tourism Ranking System among cities across the country especially in Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh States;
(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government to create, maintain and promote more and more tourist spots in Indian cities across the country as well as make more sites available for visit during nights?
THE MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)
(a) & (b): Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has developed a Tourist Destination Assessment Framework for evaluation of tourist destination and their associated sites across the country.
(c): The Ministry of Tourism undertakes holistic promotion of various tourism destinations and products of the country. Identification and development of tourist sites including tourist sites available for visit during nights is primarily the responsibility of the respective State Government/Union Territory (UT) Administration. However, Ministry of Tourism under the schemes of “Swadesh Darshan” and “National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive”- PRASHAD provides financial assistance to State Governments/UT Administrations for development of tourism infrastructure, in consultation with States/UTs. The provisions of proper lightings and illumination of destination is one of the most essential component under PRASHAD scheme which makes site/destination tourism friendly during the night too. Further, financial assistance is also provided to various central agencies like Archaeological Survey of India, Port Trust of India, ITDC, Ministry of Railways etc. for development of places of tourist interest, illumination and preservation of monuments, development of cruise terminals etc. and to provide all infrastructure facilities required by the tourists.
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