Lok Sabha Question No. 3448 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-08-09
Subject: Development of Eco-Tourism Projects in Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshdweep
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Manoj Kishorbhai Kotak

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3448

## ANSWERED ON 09.08.2021

## DEVELOPMENT OF ECO-TOURISM PROJECTS IN ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR AND LAKSHDWEEP

## 3448. SHRI MANOJ KOTAK:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  allows  100  percent  foreign  direct investment in tourism development in the country;
- (b)
- if so, the detail thereof;
- (c) whether  it  is  also  true  that  Government  has  planned  to develop  eco-tourism  projects  in  Andaman  &  Nicobar  and Lakshdweep Islands under 100 percent FDI;
- (d)
- if so, the detail thereof;
- (e) whether the Government has plans to develop eco-tourism in Maharashtra and Mumbai area and if so, the detail thereof; and
- whether  the  Government  has  made  any  plan  to  develop  an international-level infrastructure in Kargil (Ladakh) to promote adventure  tourism  and  winter  sports  and  if  so,  the  details

## ANSWER

(SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

- (f) thereof?

## MINISTER OF TOURISM

(a) & (b): Yes,  Sir.  100%  FDI  is  allowed  in  tourism  construction projects, including development of hotels, restaurants and resorts. FDI is also permissible in tourism related  travel and tour operating agencies  and  units  providing  facilities  for  cultural,  adventure  and wildlife experiences, leisure, entertainment, amusement, sports and health,  convention  /seminar  units  and  organisations,  under  the automatic route , subject to applicable regulations and laws.

(c) & (d): Development and promotion of tourist places is primarily the responsibility of State Governments/Union Territory (UT) Administrations,  including  Andaman  &  Nicobar  and  Lakshdweep Islands. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has informed that four eco-tourism projects  in Andaman & Nicobar Islands at Lalaji Bay Long Island, Smith Island, Aves Island and Shaheed Dweep and two projects in Lakshadweep at Kadmat and Suheli Islands, are planned to be developed under PPP mode. MHA has further informed that the island administrations have invited applications for RFQ in respect of these projects. (e): The  Ministry  of  Tourism  provides  financial  assistance  under the Swadesh Darshan scheme for development of tourism infrastructure in the country. The projects are sanctioned subject to availability of funds, submission of suitable Detailed Project Reports,  adherence  to  scheme  guidelines  and  utilization  of  funds released  earlier.  However,  no  project  has  been  sanctioned  to  the State Govt. of Maharashtra under the Eco-Circuit theme.

(f): Development and promotion of tourist places is primarily the responsibility of State Governments/Union Territory (UT) Administrations, including Ladakh. However, the Ministry organized the  National  Events  for  Adventure  Tourism  (NEAT)  in  Kargil,  in January  2021  for  the  promotion  of  Adventure  Tourism  and  winter sports.  The  Ministry  has  also  initiated  the  process  of  setting  up  a new branch office of the Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering (IISM) in Kargil, Ladakh.

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