(a) whether the Government has made bilateral agreement with any
country/International organisation to promote tourism in the
country including mountainous regions and also for Indian
tourism marketing in overseas market;
(b) if so, the foreign financial assistance received by the
Government during each of the last three years and the current
year to promote tourism sector, country-wise; and
(c) the expected revenue likely to be earned through the said
agreement?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM (SHRI SULTAN AHMED)
(a) to (c): Government of India has signed Bilateral
Agreements/Memorandums of Understanding with 46 countries, a
tripartite agreement between India, Brazil and South Africa (IBSA) and
an agreement with International Finance Corporation for tourism
cooperation, interalia, aiming at destination development,
management, promotion, marketing and capacity building.
A loan agreement for an amount equivalent to Japanese Yen 7331
million was also signed with Japan International Cooperation Agency
(JICA) in the year 2003 for Phase II of Ajanta Ellora Conservation and
Tourism Development Project.
The Ministry of Tourism expects an increase in inbound tourism and
foreign exchange earnings.