20-yr perspective plan to develop tourism

New Delhi, May 3 (UNI) The Government has commissioned a 20-year perspective plan for all states and union territories for the development of tourist places in a systematic and holistic manner, Minister of Tourism and Culture Ambika Soni said in the Lok Sabha today.

Replying during question hour, Ms Soni said the perspective plan, has been sent to the states and UT to guide them in initiating action for development and promotion of tourism during the 11th plan.

She said to promote tourism in the country during the 11th five year plan, her Ministry had adopted a strategy to position tourism as a major engine of economic growth and as a national priority through creation of world class infrastructure.

In addition, the Ministry has adopted a focused marketing and promotional plan and also planned quality human resource development for the hospitality sector.

The allocation for Ministry of Tourism for 11th five year plan has not yet been finalised by the Planning Commission. However, the budget allocated for the year 2007-08 is Rs 953 crore.

Ms Soni said her Ministry had provided Central Financial Assistance to states for development of places of tourist interest.

The projects for Central Financial Assistance are identified in prioritisation meetings in consultation with the State Governments every year and financial assistance is provided to the States and UT for the projects, which are complete in all respects as per guidelines, after considering their inter-se priority and availability of funds.

The ministry said under this category, the maximum financial assistance that can be sanctioned was Rs 8 crore. However, for projects of mega circuits the maximum amount that could be sanctioned is Rs 50 crore.

She regretted that despite writing several letters to the Uttar Pradesh government requesting them for the proper utilisation of the Central funds towards the development of the mega projects, there is no response from the state.

The Ministry had set a target to attract of 10 million foreign tourists from non-conventional countries like China, Spain, South Africa and Australia and various schemes were being prepared so that the foreign tourists spending could be increased in the country.

Responding to supplementaries Ms Soni said they have prepared a blue print for the promotion of rural tourism in the country and for that they would select 100-odd villages from various parts of the country.

So far 70 such villages were being identified. Each of the villages has its own traditional history of arts, culture and craftsmanship and that would be promoted along with the rural tourism, she added.

UNI