Lok Sabha Question No. 3056 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-08-06
Subject: Promotion of Tourism in Maharashtra
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: RAVINDRA VISHWANATH GAIKWAD

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.†3056 ANSWERED ON 06.08.2018

## PROMOTION OF TOURISM IN MAHARASHTRA

## †3056.PROF. RAVINDRA VISHWANATH GAIKWAD:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether new tourism policy has been formulated to promote tourism; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof along with the steps taken to promote tourism in Maharashtra?

## ANSWER

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

(a) and (b): A  new  draft  National  Tourism  Policy  has  been formulated  incorporating  suggestions  received  from  stakeholders, State  Governments  and  Union  Territory  administrations,  eminent personalities  in  the  field  of  tourism  and  general  public.  The  draft Policy is currently being reviewed in the Ministry of Tourism prior to seeking Cabinet approval on the same.

Some of the salient features of the new draft National Tourism Policy include:

-  Focus  of  the  Policy  on  employment  generation  and community participation in tourism development.
-  Stress  on  development  of  tourism  in  a  sustainable  and responsible manner.
-  An all-encompassing Policy involving linkages with various Ministries, Departments, States/Union Territories and Stakeholders.
-  The Policy enshrines the vision of developing and positioning India as a 'MUST EXPERIENCE' and 'Transformational' Destination for global travellers, whilst encouraging Indians to explore their own country.
-  Development  and  promotion  of  varied  tourism  products including the rich Culture and Heritage of the country, as well  as  niche  products  such  as  Medical  &  Wellness, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE), Adventure, Wildlife, etc.
-  Development  of  core  infrastructure  (airways,  railways, roadways, waterways, etc.) as well as Tourism Infrastructure.
-  Developing  quality  human  resources  in  the  tourism  and hospitality sectors across the spectrum of vocational to professional skills development and opportunity creation.
-  Creating an enabling environment  for investment in tourism and tourism-related infrastructure.
-  Emphasis on technology enabled development in tourism.
-  Focus on domestic tourism as a major driver of tourism growth.
-  Focus on promotions in established source markets and potential markets, which are contributing significantly to global tourist traffic, with targeted and country specific campaigns.
-  Emphasis  on  Tourism  as  the  fulcrum  of  multi-sectoral activities and dovetailing of activities of the Ministry with important/flagship schemes of the Government of India.

The Ministry of Tourism promotes India as a holistic destination and as part of its on-going activities, annually releases domestic  and  international print, electronic and online  media campaigns  under  the 'Incredible India' brand-line, to  promote various  tourism  destinations  and  products  in  the  different  States and Union Territories of the country including Maharashtra. Promotions  are  also  undertaken  through  the  Website  and  Social Media accounts of the Ministry. In addition, the Indiatourism Offices in India and overseas undertake various promotional activities with the objective of showcasing the tourism potential of the country.

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