Question : Promotion of Tourism Circuits

(a) whether the Government has formulated any scheme for the promotion of tourism circuits in the country and if so, the details thereof along with the funds allocated by the Government in this regard during the last three years and the current year;
(b) the revenue generated from such circuits during the said period;
(c) whether the Government has any scheme to include ''International Buddhist Circuit'' under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
(d) whether any Bundelkhand circuit scheme has been proposed by the Government in Bundelkhand region and if so, the details thereof; and
(e) whether the Government proposes to include Uttar Pradesh as part of the international tourism circuit in the country to promote the culture of Uttar Pradesh abroad and if so, the details thereof?

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

(a): To develop tourism infrastructure in the country, the Ministry of Tourism has introduced Swadesh Darshan scheme - Integrated Development of Theme-Based Tourist Circuits in 2014-15. Under the scheme twelve thematic circuits have been identified initially, namely: North-East India Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Desert Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Eco Circuit, Wildlife Circuit, Rural Circuit, Spiritual Circuit & Ramayana Circuit. The details of projects sanctioned under the Swadesh Darshan scheme during 2014-15 & current financial year are annexed.

(b): The Ministry of Tourism under its various existing schemes extends Central Financial Assistance for development of tourism infrastructure to the State Governments/UT Administrations. However, maintenance of tourism infrastructure and collection of revenue is not covered under the purview of Ministry of Tourism.

(c): Buddhist Circuit has been identified as one of the twelve thematic circuits for development under the Swadesh Darshan scheme.

(d): No, Madam.

(e): The promotion of tourist destinations and products is primarily the responsibility of the concerned State Government/Union Territory Administration. The Ministry of Tourism promotes India as a holistic destination in the domestic and international markets, including the various tourism destinations and products of every State/Union Territory of the country.

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