(a) whether the Government is aware that Darjeeling is home to the only mountain bike park in India, attracting many tourists;
(b) if so, the initiatives taken to promote the Mountain bike park situated in Darjeeling, nationally and internationally; and
(c) whether the Government proposes to include Darjeeling Mountain Bike trails under campaign of Incredible India promotions, considering its uniqueness?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SHRI PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL)
(a) to (c): The Ministry of Tourism has recognized Adventure Tourism, as a “Niche” tourism product in order to promote India as a 365 days’ destination and attract tourists with specific interest.
The Ministry has issued guidelines for the approval of Adventure Tour Operators, open to all bona-fide Adventure Tour Operators.
A Task Force on Adventure Tourism has been set up to act as a forum for resolving issues related to development and promotion of Adventure Tourism in the country.
The Ministry of Tourism has formulated ‘Indian Adventure Tourism Guidelines’ (Version 2.0) on Safety and Quality Norms on Adventure Tourism as Basic Minimum Standards for Adventure Tourism Activities covering 31 verticals involving land, air and water in respect of adventure tourism activities. These Guidelines have been forwarded to the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations for compliance. The Central Financial Assistance is being extended to various State Governments/Union Territory Administrations for development of Tourism Infrastructure in destinations including Adventure Tourism destinations.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Govt. of India and Adventure Tour Operators Association of India have informed us that no such information with respect to Mountain Bike Park in Darjeeling is available with them. State Govt. of West Bengal has not submitted any details regarding Mountain Bike Park in Darjeeling.
Ministry of Tourism promotes India as a holistic destination under the Incredible India brand-line. As part of its on-going activities, the Ministry releases print, electronic, online and outdoor media campaigns in the international and domestic markets, to promote various tourism destinations and products of the country. Promotions are also undertaken through the website and Social Media accounts of the Ministry. In addition, the Indiatourism Offices in India and overseas disseminate information and undertake various promotional activities with the objective of showcasing the varied tourist destinations and products of the country.
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