MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)
(a) & (b): The Ministry of Tourism (MoT) under its Overseas promotion and publicity Scheme promotes India as a holistic destination in the tourism generating markets overseas to attract foreign tourists and increase India’s share of the global tourism market. The above objectives are met through an integrated marketing and promotional strategy, and a synergized campaign in association with the Travel Trade, State Governments and Indian Missions.
The specific elements of promotional efforts undertaken overseas include advertising in print, electronic, online and outdoor media, participation in international Fairs & Exhibitions, organising Know India Seminars, Workshops, Road Shows and India Evenings, Brochure Support, Joint Advertising with Travel Agents / Tour Operators, organising and supporting Indian Food and cultural festivals, production of publicity material and organizing familiarization tours for overseas tour operators/media/opinion makers etc. to visit the country under the Hospitality programme of the Ministry of Tourism.
(c): The Government of India has recently announced free tourist visa to first five lakh tourists. The Scheme will be applicable till 31st March, 2022 or till the five lakh visas are issued, whichever is earlier. The benefit will be available only once per tourist.
(d): The Ministry of Tourism under its Swadesh Darshan scheme provides financial assistance to the States/UT Administrations for development of Tourism Infrastructure projects in consultation with them. The projects under this scheme are sanctioned subject to availability of funds, submission of suitable Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), adherence to scheme guidelines and utilization of funds released earlier etc. Sanctioning of projects under this scheme is a continuous process.
MoT sanctioned four projects to the State Government of Rajasthan under the Desert, Krishna, Spiritual and Heritage Circuits of Swadesh Darshan Scheme. Details are at Annexure.
In addition, MoT under the PRASHAD Scheme, has sanctioned a project to the State Government of Rajasthan in 2015-16 for integrated development of Pushkar/Ajmer for Rs. 32.64 Cr.
(e) & (f): There are five tourist guides registered with the State Government of Rajasthan in Banswara-Dungarpur, and 977 Regional level tourist guides in Rajasthan recognised by MoT.
The Government of India has recently announced loan guarantee Scheme to the extent of Rs. 1.00 Lakh per tourist guide. The scheme will cover 10,700 Regional Level Tourist Guides recognised by Ministry of Tourism and Tourist Guides recognised by the State Governments. There will be no processing charges, waiver of foreclosure/prepayment charges and no requirement of additional collateral.
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