Lok Sabha Question No. 523 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-02-06
Subject: Showcasing India’s Tourism Potential Abroad
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Bholanath (B.P. Saroj)

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 523 ANSWERED ON 06.02.2023

## SHOWCASING I NDIA'S TOURISM POTENTIAL ABROAD

523.  SHRI BHOLANATH (B.P. SAROJ):

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of promotional activities undertaken by the Government during  the  current  year  to  showcase  India's  tourism  potential abroad;
- (b)
- the countries selected for this purpose;
- (c) the new features being highlighted during this exercise; and
- (d) the  measures  taken  to  expand  tourism  infrastructure  in  this regard?

## ANSWER

(SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM

(a) to (c): Ministry of Tourism promotes India as a holistic destination in the  tourism  generating  markets  to  promote  various  Indian  tourism products  a nd  tourism  destinations  of  the  country  to  increase  India's share of the global tourism market.

The  above  objectives  are  met  through  an  integrated  marketing  and promotional strategy, and a synergized campaign in association with the

Travel Trade, State Governments and Indian Missions abroad.

Ministry  of  Tourism  participated  in  Dubai  Expo  from  Dec.  31,  2021  to Jan. 15, 2022. The Tourism Fortnight comprised of various sessions at India  Pavilion  which  were  presided  over  by  representatives  from  the the

Ministry of Tourism and various Indian states along with representatives of Travel trade associations.

Ministry  of  Tourism  participated  in  Arabian  Travel  Market  Dubai,  2022 held from 9 th  May to 12 th  May, 2022.

The Ministry of Tourism and various State Tourism department participated  in  World  Travel  Market  2022  (WTM)  during  07 th   to  09 th November, 2022.

During  the  event  the  Ministry  of  Tourism  had  a  business  to  business (B2B)  meetings  with  Tour  Operators,  Travel  Agents  and  various  other stakeholders and organized the press Meet to apprise the travel media of India's preparedness to welcome international tourists post pandemic. Further, India pavilion showcased varied tourism products of India  including  culture,  heritage  and  niche  tourism  products  such  as cuisine, wellness, yoga, wildlife and luxury etc.

Ministry  of  Tourism  had  organized  international  quiz  competitions  in Japan,  Bhutan,  Vietnam,  Thailand,  Sri  Lanka,  Cambodia,  South  Korea and  Malaysia  focussing  on  the  life  of  Buddha  and  various  place/sites associated with Buddha and Buddhism in India. The objective of the quiz competitions was to arouse the curiosity among the youth and students in Buddhist countries and winners of quiz competition were taken on a fam trip from 24 th  to 28 th  November, 2022.

Ministry of Tourism had conducted Virtual road shows'Incredible India Reconnect  event '  in seventeen  countries  from  April-September,  2022 (USA, Oman,  Germany,  Australia, Singapore, Thailand, Spain, UK, France, Italy, Portugal, Japan,  South Korea, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Netherlands and Canada).

In order to boost visitor arrival, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has declared 'Incredible India! Visit India Year 2023'.

(d): For  development  of  tourism  infrastructure  in  the  country,  the Ministry of Tourism has launched two schemes in 2014-15 i.e. Swadesh Darshan - Integrated Development of Theme-Based Tourist Circuits and PRASAD- Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive.

Under Swadesh Darshan scheme, a total of 76 projects were sanctioned for  an  amount  of  Rs.5315.59  Crore  in  31  States/UTs.  The  Ministry  of Tourism has now revamped the scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 with the objective to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations, following a destination and tourism centric approach.

Under  PRASHAD  scheme  also  45  projects  have  been  identified  for development for an amount of Rs.1586.10 Crore.

*****