Question : Promotion of Eco-Tourism

(a) whether the Government has formulated any scheme to promote eco-tourism, including tourism in Kutch and Gir Forests of Gujarat and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether a large number of tourists are visiting Gujarat and the State has become one of the favourite destinations for tourists;
(c) if so, the number of tourists, both Indian and foreigners who visited the State during the last two years;
(d) the financial assistance provided by the Government for the development/conservation of tourist places in various States, States/UT-wise; and
(e) the road map/plan for development of amenities and facilities at tourist places in the States/UTs?

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

(a) to (e): A Statement is laid on the Table of the Sabha.

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STATEMENT IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.*229 ANSWERED ON 14.03.2016 REGARDING PROMOTION OF ECO-TOURISM.

(a): Ministry of Tourism has launched the Swadesh Darshan scheme in the year 2014-15 with a vision to develop theme based tourist circuits on the principles of high tourist value, competitiveness and sustainability in an integrated manner by synergizing efforts to focus on needs and concerns of all stakeholders to enrich tourist experience and enhance employment opportunities. The Ministry has identified Eco-Tourism Circuit as one of the thirteen thematic circuits for development under this scheme.

(b) and (c): The details domestic and foreign tourist visits in Gujarat State during the last two years are as under:
<pre>
Year Domestic Foreign
2014 3,09,12,043 2,35,524
2015 3,62,88,463 2,84,973
</pre>
(d): The State-wise details of financial assistance provided by the Ministry of Tourism during the last three years are annexed.

(e): Ministry of Tourism provides Central Financial Assistance for projects identified in consultation with the State Governments/UTs for development of tourist infrastructure including amenities and facilities at tourist places under Swadesh Darshan and National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) schemes of the Ministry.

The projects are sanctioned subject to availability of funds, liquidation of pending utilization certificates, submission of suitable Detailed Project Report (DPR) and adherence to the scheme guidelines.
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