States should undertake infrastructure mapping

New Delhi, Nov 19: In a bid to promote tourism, the Government today suggested all the states to have land policy and undertake infrastructure mapping.

''I have written to all chief secretaries to go in for infrastructure mapping to pinpoint the tourism component and devote focused attention to tourism plans with an institutionalised management structure,'' Tourism Secretary A K Misra told reporters here.

He said availability of land is more important than money, as the tourism industry needs more basic facilities that require land.

Speaking at a seminar on Andhra Pradesh Tourism organised jointly by Andhra Pradesh Department of Tourism and FICCI here today, Mr Misra appreciated the efforts of the AP government for its rate of utilisation of Central funds.

The Tourism Secretary also advised the state tourism department to come out with a specific land policy under which land banks are created in suitable locations in the tourism zones. Such land, after development, can be allotted to private parties for building budget hotels on an annual rental basis.

AP government special representative Ravi Mallu demanded funds and assistance from the Centre, adding that pro-active measures are being undertaken by the state government for attracting major investments in the tourism sector.

A number of projects were in the pipeline, AP tourism and culture secretary Chitra Ramachandra said, including budget hotels, multi-theme park, health spa and convention centre.

She said a chain of 36 budget hotels, 'Southern Splendour' luxury train project, spa with organic food restaurant near Durgam Cheruvu and drive-in theatre-cum-parking facility with ethnic food are underway.

UNI