(a) whether the Government has classified tier – II and tier- III cities in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State – wise including Haryana;
(c) whether the Government proposes to formulate any new policy on domestic tourism; and
(d) if so, the steps taken by the Government in this regard so far and parameters adopted therefor alongwith the funds released during each year of the last three years?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM (SHRI SULTAN AHMED)
(a) and (b): In Population Census of India urban population is
classified by population size and not by tier i.e Class I (Population
100,000 & above), Class II ( Population 50,000 – 99,999), Class III
(Population 20,000 – 49,999), Class IV (Population 10,000 – 19,999),
Class V (Population 5,000 – 9,999) and Class VI (Population Less than
5,000).
(c) and (d): The current Tourism Policy of the Government was
formulated in 2002 after detailed interactions with the industry
associations, concerned Ministries & Departments of Central
Government, State Governments and other stakeholders. As per this
policy, domestic tourism is to be major driver of tourism growth in
India.
The Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India undertakes various
activities for promotion of Domestic Tourism. These activities are
mainly aimed at increasing awareness about tourism destinations and
products, promoting tourism within the country with focus on areas
like the North East Region and Jammu & Kashmir and promoting
events having tourism potential. Social Awareness Campaigns are also
launched to sensitise stakeholders and the general public about
issues pertaining to hygiene and cleanliness as well as the importance
of good behaviour towards tourists.
The Ministry of Tourism also provides Central Financial
Assistance to States / Union Territories for organising Fairs, Festivals
and Tourism related events.
The Domestic Tourist Visits (DTVs) in India increased from 563
million in 2008 to 740 million in 2010.