(a) whether the Government has any proposal to reintroduce the Incredible India Scheme to give more emphasis on cultural tourism to promote cultural heritage of the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) if not, the reasons therefor; and
(d) the details of any specific provision proposed to be provided in this regard, State/UT-wise including Delhi/NCR, Hoogly, Ambedkar Nagar and Patna?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SHRI K.J. ALPHONS)
(a) to (c): The Ministry of Tourism, as part of its on-going activities, annually releases global print, electronic and online media campaigns in important and potential markets overseas, under the ‘Incredible India’ brand-line, to promote various tourism destinations and products of the country, including the cultural heritage. Promotions are also undertaken through the website and Social Media accounts of the Ministry. During the current financial year 2017-18, the Ministry has launched the “Incredible India 2.0” Campaign, which aims at moving to the next level of promotion and marketing with a shift from generic promotions across the world to market specific promotional plans, content creation and use of thematic creatives.
(d): The Ministry of Tourism does not allocate any funds to State Governments/Union Territory Administrations for Promotion. However, Central Financial Assistance is provided to them for the following promotional activities, based on proposals received from the States/Union Territories, subject to adherence to scheme guidelines and availability of funds:
(i) Organising Fairs, Festivals and Tourism related Events
(ii) Joint Advertising in Print Media Campaign
(iii) Production of Publicity Material in collaboration with the Private Sector
(iv) Promotion of film tourism
Further, the Ministry of Tourism has identified a Heritage Circuit as part of the 15 Thematic Circuits under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme for Integrated Development of Theme Based Tourist Circuits in the country.
The projects under the Scheme are identified for development in consultation with the State Governments/UTs and are sanctioned subject to availability of funds, submission of suitable detailed project reports, adherence to Scheme guidelines and utilization of funds released. The list of the projects sanctioned for the Heritage Circuit of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme is given in Annexure.
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