Lok Sabha Question No. 68 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-19
Subject: Support to Travel Agencies and Businesses
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shashi Tharoor

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.68

## ANSWERED ON 19.07.2021

## SUPPORT TO TRAVEL AGENCIES AND BUSINESSES

68. DR. SHASHI THAROOR:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Ministry  of  Tourism  is  planning  any  targeted programmes  in  order  to  boost  domestic  tourism  throughout  the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c)  whether there will be specific plans made for tourist sites that will enable them to function and attract more visitors and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether there are particular areas of the country that are under consideration by the Central Government to be used as centres to attract tourists and boost the sector in the country; and
- (e) whether the Ministry will provide support to travel agencies and businesses, many of which are not registered as MSMEs and if so,
- the details thereof and if not, the reasons thereof?

## ANSWER

(SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

MINISTER OF TOURISM

- (a) & (b): The  Ministry  has  undertaken  the  following  activities/ initiatives to promote Domestic Tourism:
- i.
- Dekho Apna Desh Webinars.
- ii. Ek  Bharat  Shrestha  Bharat:  various  activities  like  road shows,  Fam  trips,  B2B  Meetings,  Quiz  programmes, webinars  between  paired  States  /  UTs  to  promote  Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat.
- iii. Aerial  photography  of  key  cities  and  cultural  assets (Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai,  Bengaluru, Udupi, Aurangabad,  Iconic  Tourist  sites)  across  the  country during lockdown.
- iv. Regular consultations with industry stakeholders on issues related to opening up of Tourism sector.
- v.
- Handling  of  tourists,  protocols  of  safety  and  security, services standards etc.
- vi. Domestic Tourism Promotion Campaign through Webinars, social media and other digital platforms.
- vii. Dekho  Apna  Desh  Campaign  has  been  the  mainstay  of Domestic  Promotion.  The  main  focus  is  to  rebuild  the trust of the domestic & international travellers in terms of  India  being  safe  destination  to  travel  in  post  Covid Scenario.
- viii. The  Ministry  of  Tourism  has  revised  the  Guidelines  for Scheme  of  Market  Development  Assistance  (MDA)  for promotion  of  Domestic  Tourism  in November  2020 to enhance the scope and reach of the scheme. As per the guidelines,  the  stakeholders  are  provided  with  financial support for the promotion of Domestic Tourism. Additional promotional activities have been incorporated including  online  promotions  and  the  extent  of  financial assistance permissible  has  been  enhanced.  Tourism Departments of State Governments / UT Administrations are also now eligible for obtaining financial support under the scheme.
- (c) & (d): Development and promotion of Tourist Sites/Destinations is primarily the responsibility of State Governments/UT Administrations.  However,  Ministry  of  Tourism  provides  financial assistance  to  States/UTs  for  development  of  tourist  destinations based on detailed project reports submitted by them.
- (e): Ministry  of  Finance,  GoI  has  recently  announced  new  loan guarantee to more than 11,000 registered Tourist Guide/Travel and Tourism Stakeholders, so that they could discharge their liabilities and  restart  business  impacted  due  to  COVID-19.  Loan  will  be provided with 100% guarantee upto the following limits:
-  Rs. 10,00,000 for TTS (per agency)
-  Rs.  1,00,000  for  tourist  guides  licensed  at  Regional  or  State Level

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