(a) whether the Government has launched a number of schemes to promote tourism in
various States of the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof, project-wise;
(c) whether the Government also proposes to develop special tourism zones in the
country;
(d) if so, the details thereof, State-wise; and
(e) the steps taken by the Government to promote the sustainable tourism business?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM(SHRI SULTAN AHMED)
(a) & (b): The Ministry of Tourism (MoT) promotes India as a holistic destination covering
tourist destinations and products in the entire country. The Ministry of Tourism also
promotes tourism under Marketing Development Assistance (MDA) scheme in the
domestic and international markets.
Ministry under Product / Infrastructure Development for Destinations and Circuits
(PIDDC) scheme also provides assistance to the State Governments/Union Territory
Administrations for the development of heliport tourism, caravan tourism, camping site
and convention centres. During the Eleventh Plan, MoT sanctioned 761 projects to the
State Governments/Union Territory Administrations for Rs. 2,183.57 Crore including
assistance for the development of heliport tourism, caravan tourism, camping sites and
convention centres.
(c) & (d): At present, no such proposal is under consideration in the Ministry of Tourism.
(e): MoT provides funds to State Governments/Union Territory administrations for
sustainable tourism projects with special emphasis on eco-tourism as laid down in the
National Tourism Policy 2002.