Question : Agreement to Promote Tourism Circuits

(a) whether India and Nepal have decided to establish an industry-led Indo-Nepal Tourism Forum with mutual support and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether India and Nepal have decided to jointly promote historically and culturally important tourism circuits like the Ramayana and Buddhist circuit and adventure tourism and if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has decided to extend all possible cooperation in the domain of human resource development in tourism and hospitality sector to Nepal and if so, the details thereof and the programmes identified therefor;
(d) whether both the neighbours have agreed to improve critical tourism enabling Infrastructures; and
(e) if so, the details thereof and the other steps taken/proposed to be taken to promote tourism in the country?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SHRI K.J. ALPHONS)

(a) to (c): Yes, Madam. The second meeting of tourism Joint Working Group (JWG) between India and Nepal was held in Kathmandu on 06.07.2018. In this meeting it was agreed to set up the Indo Nepal Tourism Forum with representation from government and private sector from both sides for mutual consultation and promotion of tourism in both countries. This JWG also decided to officially recognise two circuits, Ramayana Circuit and Buddhist Circuit by both governments for joint promotions through common branding and marketing exercises.

Ministry of Tourism, during the Conclave of Special Committee on Tourism for SAARC countries held in India in 2016 agreed to offer total 50 seats for three years B.Sc. programme and diploma courses through Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) to the students from SAARC countries including Nepal.

(d) and (e): Connectivity is the key facilitator for tourism. The Bharatmala Pariyojana (approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs in October 2017), includes development of 5,300 km border and international connectivity roads including some National Highways stretches leading to Nepal Border. Out of this, 2,000 Km of National Highways for international connectivity has been provided an outlay of Rs.25,000 crore in Phase I (2017-18 to 2021-22) of the program. The National Highway infrastructure developed under the above program would also provide connectivity for tourism related activities.

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