Lok Sabha Question No. 982 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-07-26
Subject: Promotion of Tourism in J&K
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Asaduddin Owaisi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.982

## ANSWERED ON 26.07.2021

## PROMOTION OF TOURISM IN J&K

## 982. SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it  is  a  fact  that  Tourism  is  the  backbone  of  Jammu and Kashmir;
- (b) whether  due  to  lock  down  and  advisories  issued  by  many countries  to  its  tourists  not  to  visit  the  State  of  J&K,  the tourism industry is badly affected in the State;
- whether  the  Government  has  persuaded  other  countries  to
- (c) remove J&K advisories; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government  to bring back tourism in J&K  and explore possibilities for rural tourism in the State to increase employment and revenue?

## ANSWER

(SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

## MINISTER OF TOURISM

(a) to (c): Tourism sector is a major engine of economic growth of the country including the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K).

The tourism industry in the country including UT of J&K, has been affected due to lock down, suspension of regular international flights and tourist visas on account of ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, domestic tourism in the country including the UT of J&K is showing signs of recovery.

As per inputs of Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Missions/Posts abroad regularly keeps foreign interlocutors briefed about political,  social  and  developmental  endeavours  in  the  UT  of Jammu & Kashmir, and its positive impact on the people, economy and tourism. Tourism promotion, including of Jammu & Kashmir is part of activities carried out by Missions/Posts.

(d): The promotion of tourist destinations and products is primarily the  responsibility  of  the  concerned  State  Governments  /Union Territory  Administrations.  However,  the  Ministry  of  Tourism  (MoT) promotes India  as  a  holistic  destination  in  the  tourism  generating markets to promote various Indian tourism products and to increase India's share of the global tourism market.

MoT has been regularly organising webinars under the Dekho Apna Desh campaign to create awareness among domestic travellers and  encourage  them  to  explore  the  various  tourist destinations/products in the country including UT of J&K.

MoT  in  association  with  the  Tourism  Department  of  J&K, Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industries (FICCI) and the  Indian  Golf  Tourism  Association  (IGTA) organized  a  three  day event,  titled  'Tapping  the  Potential  of  Kashmir:  Another  Day  in Paradise'  from  April  11-13,  2021  in  Srinagar.  The  objective  of  the event was to showcase the various tourism products of the UT of J&K  and  promote  it  as  a  destination  for  leisure,  Adventure,  Eco, Wedding and MICE Tourism. In addition, promotion of tourism in the UT of J&K is also undertaken through MoT's website, Social Media handles,  various  promotional  activities  through  the  India  Tourism offices overseas, etc.

MoT has recognised the immense potential of Rural Tourism in the  country,  and  has  been  actively  working  on  development  and promotion  of  this  niche  area  of  tourism.  MoT  under  the  Swadesh Darshan Scheme has identified rural circuit as one of the thematic circuit for development and leveraging tourism as a force multiplier for revitalizing the rural economy and for giving both domestic and international  tourists  glimpse  of  the  rural  aspects  of  the  country. The  projects  for  development  under  the  circuit  are  identified  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.

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