(a) whether the Government proposes to introduce a few new areas for tourism
development such as golf tourism, cruise tourism, adventure tourism and
medical tourism in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the funds allocated/spent during the last
three years and the current year, State/UT-wise including Andhra Pradesh;
(c) if not, the reasons therefor; and
(d) the steps taken by the Government for the 12th Five Year Plan?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM (SHRI SULTAN AHMED)
(a) to (c): National Tourism Policy 2002 mandates identifying, diversifying,
developing and promoting the nascent/upcoming niche products of the tourism
industry and accordingly, the Ministry of Tourism has identified new areas for
tourism development like golf tourism, adventure tourism, medical tourism,
wellness tourism, polo tourism, film tourism etc. Development, promotion and
implementation of various tourism infrastructure projects including new tourism
areas, are primarily the responsibility of the respective State Government/Union
Territory (UT) Administrations, that include projects related to Adventure Tourism,
Cruise Tourism, Eco Tourism etc. The Ministry of Tourism extends Central
Financial Assistance (CFA) for such identified projects; subject to availability of
funds, inter-se-priority and adherence to the scheme guidelines. The details of
CFA extended to State Governments/UT Administrations including Andhra Pradesh
during last three years and the current year (upto 31st December, 2011) is at
annexure.
(d): Planning Commission has constituted a Working Group and Steering
Committee on Tourism for the 12th Five Year plan to recommend various measures
for development of tourism during 12th Plan including Niche Tourism Products.