Lok Sabha Question No. 1782 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-03-02
Subject: Overnight Stay of Tourists in Agra
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: S.P. Singh Baghel

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1782 ANSWERED ON 02.03.2020

## OVERNIGHT STAY OF TOURISTS IN AGRA

## 1782. PROF. S.P. SINGH BAGHEL:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that very less percentage of the tourists, visiting Agra, stay overnight there;
- (b) whether any efforts have been made to increase the overnight stay of the tourists in Agra and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has taken any initiatives to promote cultural programmes (like folk dances, music concerts etc.) to showcase the local Art and Culture to the tourist visiting Agra; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SHRI PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL)

- (a): Data on city wise tourist visits is not maintained in Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. As per the information received from State  Government  of  Uttar  Pradesh,  being  favourable  weather during October to March, tourists arrive in good number to visit Agra and stay there. For rest of the period due to unfavourable weather, the number of tourist visited Agra is relatively less.
- (b): Development of tourism, is primarily the responsibility of the concerned State Government/Union Territory Administration. However,  Ministry of Tourism, Government  of  India under its schemes of Swadesh Darshan, PRASHAD and Assistance to Central Agencies, provides central financial assistance to State Governments/Union Territories/Central Agencies including Uttar

Pradesh  for  development  of  tourism  related  infrastructure  and facilities,  at  tourist  destinations  so  as  to  provide  an  enriching tourism experience which would increase the duration of stay.

Further, as per Information received from UP State Government, to facilitate tourists in Agra, steps have been taken by Government  and  private  stakeholders  some  of  which  are  given below:

-  Executing  Project  on  revitalization  of  Shah  Jahan  Park walk way between Agra fort and Taj Mahal, revitalization of Kachhpura and MehtabBagh area and Construction of Museum.
-  Development of Taj night View point.
-  Development of River front garden at Taj Mahal.
-  Organization  of  'Mohhabbat  the  Taj'  show  by  private stakeholders.
-  Under smart city  project,  beautification  related  work  in Agra city.

(c) & (d): 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 including cultural programs in States and UTs of the country including various tourists destinations of Uttar Pradesh.

Besides, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India celebrated Paryatan  Parv  in  October,  2019  and  Bharat  Parv  in  January,  2020 during which, local art and cultural shows from different States/UTs including those of Uttar Pradesh were organized to promote art and culture.

Further, Government of Uttar Pradesh organizes 'Taj Mahotsav' every year at Agra to showcase various art and culture programs.

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