(a) whether there is any proposal under the consideration of the Government to sign bilateral agreements with some tourism generating countries;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the countries identified for the purpose;
(c) the important features of the proposed agreements; and
(d) the extent to which it is likely to boost the tourism industry in the country?
MINISTER OF TOURISM AND CULTURE (SHRI JAGMOHAN)
(a), (b), (c) & (d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the Sabha.
STATEMENT IN RESPECT OF PART (a), (b), (c) & (d) OF LOK SABHA STARRED
QUESTION NO.112 TO BE ANSWERED ON 22.07.2002 REGARDING
AGREEMENT WITH TOURISM GENERATING COUNTRIES.
(a): Yes, Sir.
(b): Spain, Thailand, Malaysia, Kenya and Argentina
(c): The important features of the proposed agreement are:-
(i) to create favourable conditions for the development of long-term cooperation in the field of tourism for mutual benefit of the two countries;
(ii) in accordance with the laws and internal regulations in force of each country, encourage the application of simple procedures for their citizens travelling between two countries for tourism purposes;
(iii) to coordinate in tourism activities in accordance with the rules and regulations in force in each country by exchanging information, expertise and experience regarding inventory of tourism resources, prevalent legislation and regulations on tourism activities and measures for preservation as well as sustainable development of both natural and cultural resources;
(iv) to encourage the exchange of expertise regarding the organization, management and operation of tourism business, and to assist each other in training their staffs in the field of tourism;
(v) to facilitate the import and export of materials and documents for publicity including tourist information and publicity materials, films and exhibition materials; and
(vi) to form a Working Group made up of equal number of representatives of both countries for the implementation of this Agreement.
(d): These agreements shall be general in nature without any financial implication or
binding commitments. Bilateral Tourism Cooperation Agreements provide an umbrella
under which Government officials and the travel trade of the countries can interact. Such
agreements also help in strengthening relations and fostering deeper understanding
between the two countries. Tourism always flourishes between friendly countries as
tourists would like to travel to those countries with whom they share friendly relations.
Aforesaid agreements facilitate cultural exchanges, exchange of human resource,
exchange of technical expertise, publicity brochures and tourism statistics. Thus
agreements will help in promoting tourism from aforesaid countries to India and vice-
versa.