(a) whether the arrival of foreign tourists in Odisha and other States has increased during the last three years;
(b) if so, the approximate number of tourists visited Odisha during the last three years;
(c) whether the Government has taken any step to provide adequate infrastructural facilities to meet the requirement of both foreign and domestic tourists in every State; and
(d) if so, the details of the steps taken in Odisha since there is a tremendous tourist potential in that State?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SHRI PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL)
(a): Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTA) to India (in million) including in Odisha during 2017, 2018 and 2019 are 10.04,10.56 and 10.89 (provisional) respectively. This shows that FTA has been increasing during the said years.
(b): Details of Tourist Visits to Odisha during 2016 to 2018 (latest year for which data has been compiled) are given below:
<pre>
State 2016 2017 2018
Odisha 12919127 14111243 15319358
</pre>
(c) & (d): Development of tourism, is primarily the responsibility of the concerned State Government/Union Territory Administration. However, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India under its schemes of Swadesh Darshan, PRASHAD and Assistance to Central Agencies, provides central financial assistance to State Governments/Union Territories/Central Agencies for development of tourism related infrastructure and facilities to provide an enriching tourism experience to both foreign and domestic tourists visitors. The projects under the schemes are identified for development in consultation with State Governments/UT Administration and are sanctioned subject to availability of funds, submission of suitable detailed project reports, adherence to scheme guidelines and utilization of funds released earlier. Details of Projects sanctioned in Odisha under Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes are given below:
(Rs. in crore)
<pre>
Sr.
no. Scheme Name Project Name Amount Sanctioned
1. Swadesh Darshan Development of Gopalpur, Barkul, Satapada and Tampara. 70.82
2. PRASHAD Infrastructure Development at Puri, Shree Jagannath Dham- Ramachandi-Prachi River front at Deuli under Mega Circuit 50.00
</pre>
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