Question : NATIONAL TOURISM POLICY

(a) whether the Government have formulated a National Tourism Policy ;

(b) if so, the salient features thereof;

(c) whether tourism is proposed to be included in the concurrent list; and

(d) if so, the benefits likely to be derived therefrom?

MINISTER OF TOURISM, STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION (SHRI JAGMOHAN)

(a), (b), (c) and (d): A Statement is laid on the Table of Sabha.


STATEMENT IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION No.13 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19-11-2001 REGARDING NATIONAL TOURISM POLICY

(a): Draft of a National Tourism Policy has been prepared.

(b): The salient features of the draft tourism policy are as follows:

i) Providing for peoples participation in the development of tourism and in sharing the benefits of tourism.
ii) Facilitating the development of a dynamic private sector in tourism industry.
iii) Co-ordinating the efforts of different Government Departments and agencies in making India a tourism friendly country, and in providing the required infrastructure.
iv) Facilitating domestic tourism by promoting amenities & facilities for budget tourists.
v) Integrated development of identified tourist destinations with the involvement of all the infrastructural departments/State Governments and the private sector.
vi) Development of tourism in the North East, Himalayan region, Jammu and Kashmir and the Islands of Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep, as part of overall strategy of economic development of the regions.
vii) Enhancing outlay for infrastructure.
viii) Enacting suitable legislation on travel trade/Tourist Police for protection and security of tourists.

ix) Liberalization of the visa regime.

x) Uniformity and rationalization in taxation structure.
xi) Focussed and cost effective marketing strategy.


(c ): Yes, Sir.


(d): Inclusion of tourism in the concurrent list of the constitution will give constitutional recognition to the tourism sector and also help in channelising the development of tourism in a systematic manner.