Lok Sabha Question No. 2198 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-12-24
Subject: International Tourist Mart
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT, JAYAKUMAR JAYAVARDHAN, VIJAYSINH MOHITE PATIL, RAJEEV SHANKARRAO SATAV, SUPRIYA SADANAND SULE, P.R. SUNDARAM, DHANANJAY BHIMRAO MAHADIK

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2198 ANSWERED ON 24.12.2018

## INTERNATIONAL TOURIST MART

2198. DR. HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT:

DR. J. JAYAVARDHAN:

SHRI MOHITE PATIL VIJAYSINH SHANKARRAO:

SHRI SATAV RAJEEV:

SHRIMATI SUPRIYA SULE:

SHRI P.R. SUNDARAM:

SHRI DHANANJAY MAHADIK:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  organized  7th  edition  of  the International Tourism Mart recently;
- (b)
- if so, the details thereof and the aims and objectives thereto;
- (c) the number of foreign delegates participated in the said International Tourism Mart;
- (d) whether business to business meeting, discussions with sellers from the North Eastern Regions was held in the said Mart and if so, the details thereof;
- (e) whether such International Tourism Mart was organized in North Eastern States on rotation basis and if so, the details thereof and the  achievement  made  so  far  in  organizing  such  International Tourism Mart; and
- (f) the  other  steps  taken/being  taken  by  the  Government  to  boost tourism in the North Eastern region of the country?

## ANSWER

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

(a) and (b): Yes,  Madam.  The  7 th Edition of the International Tourism Mart (ITM) 2018 was held in Agartala, Tripura from 22 nd  to 24 th November, 2018 with the objective of highlighting tourism potential of the North Eastern region in domestic and international markets.

- (c): A total of 53 foreign delegates participated in the International Tourism Mart.
- (d): Business to Business meetings during this Mart were held on 23 rd November 2018. The participants during this session included foreign delegates  and  25  Domestic  Tour  Operators  and  84  sellers  from  the North Eastern States.
- (e): Since 2013, previous editions of ITM's have  been  held  in Guwahati,  Tawang,  Shillong,  Gangtok  and  Imphal.  During  the  period 2013 to 2017, Domestic Tourist Visits and Foreign Tourist Visits to the North Eastern States has registered a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.3% and 18.8% respectively.
- (f): Government  of  India  has  taken  several  measures  to  boost tourism to North East which include the following:
- i. Under Swadesh Darshan Scheme, the Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned 15 projects for a total amount of Rs.1315.06 crores covering all North-Eastern States and under PRASHAD  Scheme  1  project  has  been  sanctioned  for Rs.33.98 crores.
- ii. 100%  central  financial  assistance  for  organizing  fairs  & festivals is allowed to the North Eastern States.
- iii. Provision  of  complimentary  space  to  the  North  Eastern States  in  India  Pavilions  set  up  at  major  International Travel Fairs and Exhibitions.
- iv. Government of India employees are allowed to avail Leave Travel Concession (LTC) for visiting North Eastern States in lieu of Home town LTC.
- v. Under the Market Assistance Development (MDA) Scheme, the Ministry of Tourism  provides financial support to tourism  service  providers  (hoteliers,  travel  agents,  tour operators,  tourist  transport  operators,  etc.)  approved  by Ministry for undertaking the tourism promotional activities abroad by participating in travel fairs/exhibitions and road shows.  For  the  North  Eastern  States,  the  State  approved service providers are also eligible for the financial support under the MDA Scheme.
- vi. The tourism products of India including the North Eastern States are promoted in key markets abroad through advertising,  brochures,  collaterals,  seminars,  workshops, website etc.

*******