Question : Incredible India Tourist Facilitator Certification (IITFC) Programme

(a) whether there is shortage of trained tourist guides in the country and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Government has rolled out the Incredible India Tourist Facilitator Certification (IITFC) programme recently;
(c) if so, the details thereof along with its aims and objectives;
(d) whether the Government has launched/proposes to launch a refresher course for those already in the field seeking an advanced level course to enhance their skill set and if so, the details thereof along with the time by which it is likely to be launched; and
(e) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to increase job creation to create more jobs in tourism sector?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SHRI K.J. ALPHONS)

(a) to (c): There is a steady growth of Foreign Tourist Arrival during the last three years as shown in the statement submitted below:-
<pre>
Sl. No. Parameter 2015 2016 2017
1 Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTA) to India (Million) 8.03
(4.6%)
8.80
(9.6%) 10.04
(14.0%)
</pre>
To keep pace with the growth of tourist inflow, Ministry of Tourism has rolled out Incredible India Tourist Facilitator Certification (IITFC) programme on 15th November, 2018. It aims at to provide skill development of the persons involved in tourism service sector, facilitation of domestic as well as foreign tourists, supporting tourism industry and employment generation, etc.

(d): Incredible India Tourist Facilitator Certification (IITFC) programme has three different categories- Basic, Advance and Language. Refresher course for existing Regional Level Tourist Guides (RLG) is part of the IITFC.

(e): Tourism creates 12.38% (direct as well as indirect jobs) of the total employment in the country. Incredible India Tourist Facilitator Certification (IITFC) programme will help in creating additional employment generation in the field of tourism.

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