Question : Iconic Tourist Spots

(a) whether the Government plans to develop about 10 prominent sites as iconic tourist destinations in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the parameters adopted for inclusion of locations therein;
(c) whether the Government will make necessary framework for encouraging investment in Sea Plane activities for promoting tourism sector and if so, the details thereof along with the steps taken by the Government in this regard; and
(d) the funds allocated by the Government to develop these iconic sites and the time frame within which the project is likely to be completed?

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

(a) to (d): The development of 10 prominent tourist sites into iconic tourist destinations in the country is part of the Budget Announcements of 2018-19.

The Ministry has identified following prominent tourist sites for development based on the criteria of footfall, regional distribution, potential for development and ease of implementation:

i. Taj Mahal & Fatehpur Sikri (Uttar Pradesh)
ii. Ajanta and Ellora (Maharashtra)
iii. Humayun Tomb, Qutub Minar and Red Fort (Delhi)
iv. Colva Beach (Goa)
v. Amer Fort (Rajasthan)
vi. Somnath and Dholavira (Gujarat)
vii. Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh)
viii. Hampi (Karnataka)
ix. Mahablipuram (Tamil Nadu)
x. Kaziranga (Assam)
xi. Kumarakom (Kerala)
xii. Mahabodhi Temple (Bihar)

The development of iconic tourist destinations will be implemented under the ongoing Swadesh Darshan Scheme of Ministry of Tourism. There is no separate allocation of funds for this project.

As per the Foreign Direct Investment policy of Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, 100% Foreign Direct Investment is provided for seaplane services on automatic route.

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