Lok Sabha Question No. 2434 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-07-08
Subject: Direct and Indirect Investment in Tourism Sector
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Devji Mansingram Patel

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.†2434 ANSWERED ON 08.07.2019

## DIRECT AND INDIRECT INVESTMENT IN TOURISM SECTOR

†2434. SHRI DEVJI M. PATEL:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) the  details  of  measures  taken  to  promote  tourism  in  the country;
- (b) the  details  of  schemes  initiated  to  develop  and  reorganize tourist destinations across the country;
- the steps taken to increase direct and indirect investment in
- (c) tourism; and
- (d) the  actions  taken  for  preservation  of  culture,  heritage  and environment at tourist destinations to attract more tourists?

## ANSWER

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

(a) and (b): The Ministry of Tourism, under its different Schemes,  takes  various  measures  to  encourage  the  development and promotion of tourism in the country.

Under  its  schemes  of  Swadesh  Darshan  and  PRASHAD,  the Ministry provides Central Financial Assistance to State Governments/Union Territory (UT) Administrations/Central Agencies for  development of thematic tourist circuits in the country and for holistic development of identified pilgrimage and heritage destinations.  The  projects  under  these  schemes  are  identified  for development in consultation with the State Governments/UT Administrations and are sanctioned subject to availability of funds, submission of suitable detailed project reports, adherence  to scheme guidelines and utilization of funds released earlier.

As part of its on-going activities, the Ministry annually releases  print,  electronic,  online  and  outdoor  media  campaigns  in the international and domestic markets, to promote various tourism destinations  and  products  of  the  country.  Promotions  are  also undertaken through the Social Media accounts and website of the Ministry. In addition, the Indiatourism Offices in India and overseas disseminate information and undertake various promotional activities  with  the  objective  of  showcasing  the  varied  tourist destinations and products of the country.

- (c): The  Ministry  of  Tourism  had  organized  the  Incredible  India Tourism Investors Summit in September 2016  New Delhi, with the objective  of  attracting    investments  and  presenting  to  potential investors tangible, investment-ready projects in the different States/Union Territories of India.

The Ministry of Tourism has guidelines for extending support to  Commerce,  Trade  and  Industry  Organizations  for  organising Tourism  and  Tourism  related  Events.  The  Ministry  has  supported Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) for organizing 'Tourism Investors Meet 2019' held in July, 2019.

- (d): The Ministry of Tourism has introduced the  'Adopt a Heritage: Apni  Dharohar,  Apni  Pehchaan''  project  which  is  a  collaborative effort by the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture and Archaeological Survey of India, State/UTs Government for developing  tourist  amenities  at  heritage/tourist  sites  and  making them tourist friendly, in a planned and phased manner. The project aims  to  encourage  companies  from  public  sector,  private  sector, corporate citizens, NGOs, individuals and other stakeholders to take up  the  responsibility  of  developing  and  upgrading  the  basic  and advanced  tourist  amenities  at  heritage/  tourist  sites.  They  would also look after the Operation & Maintenance of the approved tourist amenities.

Some  of  the  steps  taken  by  the  Ministry  of  Tourism  for promotion of Eco Tourism are given below:

- (i) The  Ministry  of  Tourism  has  evolved  Comprehensive Sustainable  Tourism  Criteria  (STCI)  for  major  segments of  the  tourism  industry,  namely  accommodation,  tour
- operators, beaches, backwaters, lakes and river sectors applicable for the entire country. STCI are based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC) developed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).
- (ii) The  Ministry  of  Tourism  promotes  sustainable  tourism practices  in  the  hospitality  sector.  The  guidelines  for approval and clarification of Hotels stipulate ecotourism norms and eco-friendly measures like Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), rain water harvesting system, waste management system etc.
- (iii) Ministry  of  Tourism  has  made  it  mandatory  for  the approved tourism service providers such as tour operators, adventure tour operators, travel agents etc. to follow the Code of Conduct for Safe and Hon'ble Tourism which  requires  the  tourism  service  provider  to  fully implement sustainable tourism practices.

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