(a) whether there is a tremendous potential for growth of Tourism in the
country;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State/UT–wise including West Bengal, Andaman
and Nicobar Island and Karnataka;
(c) whether such potential has not been fully tapped and if not, the reasons
therefor;
(d) whether studies/surveys have been conducted to assess the potential and
possibilities for the growth of tourism in the country; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM (SHRI SULTAN AHMED)
(a)to(c): Although the tourism sector in India has grown in the recent years,
it is felt that with India’s vast bounties of nature, its great treasures of art,
architecture and philosophical thought, its rich cultural heritage, its varied
rural countryside and wildlife, and age-old practices of Yoga, Siddha, etc.
spread across different States/Union Territories (UTs), there is immense
tourism potential to tap, which can lead to further growth in tourism.
Development and promotion of tourism are primarily the responsibility of the
State Government/UT Administrations. However, Ministry of Tourism provides
central financial assistance for the development of tourism infrastructure on
the basis of proposals received from them which are complete in all respects
as per the Scheme Guidelines, inter-se priority and subject to availability of
funds. The details of the number of projects and amount sanctioned during 11th
Plan till 30th September, 2011 to all States/UTs including West Bengal,
Andaman and Nicobar Island and Karnataka are given at Annexure.
(d)and(e): To facilitate development of tourism by States/UTs in a systematic
and holistic manner in the country, the Ministry of Tourism had commissioned
20-Year Perspective Plans for them at the beginning of the 10th Five Year Plan.
These perspective plans, which give action plans for tourism development in
the short term and long term, were sent to the State Governments/UT
Administrations to guide them in initiating action for development and
promotion of tourism.