(a) whether the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Ministry of Tourism have jointly developed any plan for the promotion of
tourism in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government proposes to increase the number of air strips in the country to give boost to tourism;
(d) if so, the details thereof and the locations identified for the purpose, location-wise along with the steps
taken by the Government in this regard; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF CIVIL AVIATION (SHRI AJIT SINGH)
(a) and (b): Ministry of Civil aviation and Ministry of Tourism had on 21.03.2012 signed a MoU to cooperate with
each other, so as to promote and market India as a preferred tourism destination and position `Incredible India`
as a recognized brand worldwide. The salient components of the MoU are as given below:
(i) The Airports Authority of India will provide space at various airports for ‘Incredible India’ branding by MoT,
at nominal cost.
(ii) Instruction will be issued by MoCA to Foreign/Indian Carriers for screening Incredible India promotional
films on their inbound and outbound flights after take off and before landing.
(iii) MoT and MoCA will participate in the Road shows and Events organized by each other on mutually agreed
terms.
(iv) Both Ministries will work together for developing remote and new destinations by encouraging airline operators
to provide connectivity. Development of infrastructure will include airstrips, helipads and heliports.
(c) to (e) Development of airports is a continuous process which is undertaken after taking into account the
commercial viability, strategic importance, traffic potential/ demands, commitment of airlines to operate
through the specific airports etc. Airports Authority of India (AAI) has proposals to develop 13 non-operational
airports. List of these airports are annexed.