(a) whether there is huge potential for forest, wildlife and plantation
tourism in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the funds earmarked/released to the State Government during the last
three years and the current year; and
(d) the steps taken/proposed to be taken to exploit the tourism potential
in States?
THE MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI SUBODH KANT SAHAI)
(a) & (b): Development and promotion of tourism including forest, wildlife
and plantation tourism is primarily undertaken by the State
Governments/UT Administrations. However, the Ministry of Tourism
extends Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to State Governments/Union
Territory Administrations for development of tourism products under the
scheme of Product/Infrastructure Development for Destinations and
Circuits, based on the proposals identified in consultation with them,
subject to availability of funds inter-se priority and adherence to scheme
guidelines.
(c): An amount of Rs.2405.59 crore was sanctioned as CFA for 720
tourism projects including forest, wildlife and plantation projects during the
years 2008-09, 2009-10 and 2010-11 to the different State Governments/UTs
Administration.
(d): The steps taken by the Government to promote tourism products
including forest, wildlife and plantation tourism in the country include inter-
alia Incredible India campaigns, production of promotional material like
brochures, CDs, films, and by participation in travel marts and road shows.