Lok Sabha Question No. 198 (STARRED), answered on 2018-12-24
Subject: Target set for Tourist Arrival
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: ADVOCATE NARENDRA KESHAV SAWAIKAR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.*198 ANSWERED ON 24.12.2018

## TARGET SET FOR TOURIST ARRIVAL

*198. ADV. NARENDRA KESHAV SAWAIKAR:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  set  a  target  to  get  20  million inbound tourists by 2020 and if so, the details thereof; (b) whether the Government has finalised any action plan towards achievement of its target; and if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  extent  to  which  important
- (c) tourist destinations would be benefited?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (c): A Statement is laid on the table of the House.

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STATEMENT  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (c)  OF  LOK  SABHA 24.12.2018

STARRED QUESTION NO.*198 ANSWERED ON REGARDING TARGET SET FOR TOURIST ARRIVAL.

(a) to (c): Yes.

For  development  and  promotion  of  tourism,  Government  has taken  several  initiatives  which  in  turn  lead  to  development  of important  tourist  destinations.  The  major  initiatives  in  this  regard are as follows:

- i. The Ministry of Tourism launched the Swadesh Darshan scheme  in  the  year  2014-15  with  a  vision  to  develop theme-based tourist circuits.
- ii. The National  Mission  on  Pilgrimage  Rejuvenation  and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) Scheme  was  launched  in  the  year  2014-15  with  the objective of holistic development of identified pilgrimage destinations.
- iii. 'Adopt A Heritage' project has been initiated for development  and  maintenance  of  tourist  amenities  at heritage sites.
- iv. The Ministry has identified 17 Iconic Tourist sites in the country for holistic development.
- v. To promote in-bound tourism, the e-Visa facility has been extended for the citizens of 166 countries under categories namely e-Tourist Visa, e-Business Visa and eMedical Visa.
- vi. Development and promotion of 'Niche Tourism' products to  attract  tourists  with  specific  interest  and  to  ensure repeat visits for the unique products in which India has a comparative advantage.
- vii. Launch of 24x7 Toll Free Multi-Lingual Tourist Helpline in 12 International Languages including Hindi and English.
- viii. Launch of the Incredible India 2.0 campaign with market specific promotional plans and content creation.
- ix. Launch of Incredible India website for showcasing India as a holistic destination.
- x. Promoting various  tourism  destinations  and  products  of the country both in domestic and international markets.
- xi. Promoting India as a holistic tourism destination including  the  various  tourism  sites  through  centralized print,  TV  and  online  media  campaigns  in  important tourism generating markets.
- xii. Promotional activities in tourist generating markets overseas through the India Tourism Offices abroad with active participation in travel fairs and exhibitions; organising Road Shows, 'Know India' seminars & workshops.
- xiii. Organizing  Annual  Global  Tourism  Mart  for  India  in  line with major international travel marts being held in countries across the world. It provides a platform for all stakeholders  in  tourism  and  hospitality  industries  to interact and transact business opportunities.
- xiv. Organizing biennial International Buddhist Conclave.
- xv. Organizing Annual International Tourism Mart for promotion of tourism in North Eastern States.

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