Question : NEW TOURISM POLICY

(a) whether the Government proposes to formulate any ‘Master Plan’ and to bring changes in the Tourism Policy formulated in 2002 to promote tourism in the country including coastal/backwater tourism in Kerala;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the time by which such ‘Master Plan’ and changes in the Tourism Policy are likely to be effected;

(d) whether there is also any proposal to bring forward New Tourism Policy in the country; and

(e) if so, the details thereof indicating the progress made and the time by which the same is likely to come into effect?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (DR. K. CHIRANJEEVI )

(a) to (e): Development and promotion of tourism, including formulation of Master Plans for tourism, are primarily the responsibility of the State Governments/Union Territory (UT) Administrations. However, with a view to realize the full potential of Beach, River and Backwater Tourism in the country, including Kerala, Ministry of Tourism has constituted a Committee comprising private sector experts and Secretaries of Tourism and Secretaries of Environment of Coastal States of India. Ministry of Tourism also provides Central Financial Assistance to State Governments/UT Administrations for formulation of State specific tourism Master Plans.

The National Tourism Policy 2002 had been formulated by Ministry of Tourism after detailed interaction with industry associations, concerned Ministries & Departments of Central Government, State Governments and other stakeholders. At present, there is no proposal before the Government to revise the National Tourism Policy 2002.