Question : Identification of Tourism Parks and Circuits for Development

(a) the list of Tourism Circuits, Tourism Parks and Rural Tourism Clusters identified by the Government in each State/Union Territory for integrated development in association with the States/UTs;
(b) whether the Government has received requests/ proposals from Tamil Nadu for inclusion of more such Tourism Circuits/Parks and Clusters, if so, the details thereof and the response thereof;
(c) whether the Government proposes to include Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra as part of the international tourism circuit in the country to promote the culture of these States and if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the other steps taken/being taken by the Government to popularize tourist circuits to people of the country and from abroad so that it can be beneficial for the economy of the country?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SHRI PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL)

(a) to (d): Development and Promotion of Tourism is primarily the responsibility of the State Government/Union Territory (UT) Administrations. However, the Ministry of Tourism, under its ‘Swadesh Darshan’ scheme provides financial assistance to State Governments/ Union Territory (UT) Administrations/Central Agencies including the State of Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra for development of tourism infrastructure. The projects under these schemes are sanctioned subject to availability of funds, submission of suitable Detailed Project Reports, adherence to scheme guidelines and utilization of funds released earlier etc. Sanctioning of projects under Swadesh Darshan scheme is a continuous process however sanctioning of new projects in this scheme is under review.

The Ministry of Tourism as part of its regular promotional exercises promotes various tourism destinations and products of the country in domestic and international potential markets in a holistic manner. These promotions are undertaken through various communication platforms such as media campaigns, events, webinars, road shows, participation in fairs & festivals, social media platforms etc.

The list of the projects sanctioned under Swadesh Darshan scheme is annexed.

*******