Lok Sabha Question No. 1103 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-02-08
Subject: Promotion of Tourism in Maharashtra
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Sunil Baburao Mendhe

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1103

## ANSWERED ON 08.02.2021

## PROMOTION OF TOURISM IN MAHARASHTRA

## 1103. SHRI SUNIL BABURAO MENDHE:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) the special steps taken by the Government to promote tourism in Maharashtra and the outcome thereof;
- (b) whether  the  National  Tourist  Advisory  Council  (NTAC)  has recommended development and promotion of Tourist attractions in the State of Maharashtra;
- (c)
- if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the steps taken by the Government for developing India as a global  tourist  attraction  in  the  wake  of  current  Covid-19 pandemic?

## ANSWER

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

(a): Development & Promotion is  primarily  responsibility  of  State Govt./UTs. However, Ministry of Tourism promotes India as a holistic destination and as a 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  in  the  different  States and Union Territories of the country including Maharashtra.

The Ministry has been organizing series of webinars showcasing  various  tourism  assets  and  products  of  the  country under Dekho Apna Desh initiative. Since April 2020, over 73 webinars have been organized wherein a large number of people participated.

The  Ministry  of  Tourism  has  launched  the  Dekho  Apna  Desh initiative in January 2020 with the objective of creating awareness among  the  citizens  about  the  rich  heritage  and  culture  of  the country and to promote domestic tourism. This initiative is in line with the 15 th  August 2019 address of the Honourable Prime Minister asking  every  citizen  to  visit  at  least  15  destinations  by  the  year 2022.

Under  this initiative Ministry is carrying out  promotional activities  like  webinars,  online  pledge  and  Quiz  programmes  to generate  awareness  among  the  public  about  the  country  and  its tourism  destinations/products  including  Maharashtra.   Dekho  Apna Desh  initiative  is  being  promoted  extensively  on     social  media accounts and website of the Ministry and by Domestic India Tourism offices.

(b) & (c): NTAC  recommended  development  of  infrastructure  of Ajanta & Ellora Caves. Ministry has identified Ajanta and Ellora as two  of  the  sites  for  development  under  the  Iconic  Tourist  Sites initiative.  The  Ministry  is  developing  the  above  sites  in  a  holistic manner  with focus on issues concerning connectivity to the destination, better facilities / experience for the tourists at the site, skill  development,  involvement  of  local  community,  promotion  & branding and by bringing private investment.

Details  of  Projects  sanctioned  under  Swadesh  Darshan  & PRASHAD schemes for the development of tourist attractions in the State of Maharashtra as given below:

| Year    | Name of Scheme                                                  | Name of Circuit in Maharashtra                                                                                   |   Amount sanctioned (Rs. in crore) |
|---------|-----------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------|
| 2017-18 | PRASHAD                                                         | Development of Trimbakeshwar                                                                                     |                              37.81 |
| 2017-18 | Project sanctioned under Assistance to Central Agencies Schemes | Upgradation / modernisation of International Cruise Terminal at Indira Dock, Mumbai - Agency - Mumbai Port Trust |                              12.5  |
| 2018-19 | Swadesh                                                         | Spiritual Circuit                                                                                                |                              54.01 |

| Darshan   | Development of Waki- Adasa-Dhapewada- Paradsingha- Chota Taj Bagh-Telankhandi-Girad   |
|-----------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

(d): The Ministry has been organizing series of webinars showcasing  various  tourism  assets  and  products  of  the  country under Dekho Apna Desh initiative. Since April 2020, over 73 webinars have been organized wherein a large number of people participated.

The Ministry of Tourism is also promoting its various tourism products  and  experiences  through  regular  posts  on  MoT's  social Media handles.

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