Question : Promotion of Eco-Tourism in Madhya Pradesh

(a) the details of measures taken/being taken to promote eco-Tourism in the country particularly in Madhya Pradesh;
(b) whether the Government has received proposal from the State Government of Madhya Pradesh for providing additional central funds for implementing various tourism projects;
(c) if so, the details thereof along with the action taken by the Government thereon; and
(d) the details of the measures taken to promote tourism and revenue generated therefrom during the last three years, year-wise?

MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

(a) to (c): Promotion and Development of Tourism, including Eco Tourism, is primarily the responsibility of the State Governments/UT Administrations.

However, The Ministry of Tourism provides financial assistance to State Governments/Union Territory Administrations/Central Agencies under its thematic circuit based ‘Swadesh Darshan’ Scheme and ‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)’ Scheme. Eco-Tourism has been identified as one of the theme under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

Proposals are received from State Governments/Union Territory Administrations from time to time for seeking financial assistance under the various schemes of the Ministry of Tourism. These proposals are examined in context of the scheme guidelines and financial assistance is extended for such projects subject to fulfilment of the stipulated provisions and availability of funds.

The details of project sanctioned under Eco Circuit theme of Swadesh Darshan Scheme in the country are given at Annexure I.

The details of projects sanctioned for the State of Madhya Pradesh under the Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes of the Ministry is given at Annexure II.

(d): Ministry of Tourism, promotes India in a holistic manner. As part of its on-going activities, it releases global print, electronic and online media campaigns in important and potential markets overseas, under the ‘Incredible India’ brand-line, to promote various tourism destinations and products of the country. Digital promotions are also regularly undertaken through the Social Media accounts of the Ministry on different themes such as heritage tourism, tribal tourism, culture tourism, amongst others.

Data on revenue generated through tourism is not maintained by the Ministry of Tourism.

*****