Question : Tourism Circuits

(a) whether the Government proposes to create 50 showpiece tourism circuits to attract visitors across the country;
(b) if so, the details of proposed/pending and finalized Tourism Circuits including Ram and Krishna circuit in the country, State/UT-wise;
(c) the funds allocated and expenditure incurred on each tourism circuit during the last three years, year-wise and circuit-wise along with the revenue generated so far from such circuits; and
(d) whether the Government has identified new tourist circuits/religious circuits for their development in the country;
(e) if so, the details thereof, circuit-wise and State/UT-wise; and
(f) the details of mega tourist circuits which have been already set up in the country along with the new mega circuits identified?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

(a) & (b): Ministry of Tourism had identified 50 tourism circuits in States/UTs. Details are given at Annexure –I.

(c): The details of funds sanctioned and utilised for the tourism destinations and circuits during the last three years is given at Annexure-II.

The revenue generated from tourism sector during the last three years is given below:
<pre>
Parameter 2012 2013 2014
Foreign Exchange Earnings through Tourism (Rs. in crore) 94487 * 107671 * 123320 *
</pre>
*Estimated

Information regarding circuit-wise revenue generated is not maintained.

(d) to (f): The Ministry of Tourism has launched following two new schemes pursuant to the Budget 2014-15 announcements.

1. Swadesh Darshan for Integrated Development of Tourist Circuits around Specific Themes.
2. National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) to beautify and improve the amenities and infrastructure at pilgrimage centres of all faiths.

Twelve theme based circuits i.e. North East Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Desert Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Eco Circuit, Wildlife Circuit, Rural Circuit, Spiritual Circuit and Ramayana Circuit have been identified for development under “Swadesh Darshan”.

Under PRASAD, initially twelve cities have been identified namely Ajmer, Amritsar, Amravati, Dwarka, Gaya, Kedarnath, Kamakhaya, Kanchipuram, Mathura, Puri, Varanasi and Velankanni.

The list of Mega Tourism Circuits sanctioned/identified by the Ministry of Tourism is given at Annexure-III.

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