Lok Sabha Question No. 1638 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-02-13
Subject: Emphasis on Dekho Apna Desh
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Poonamben Hematbhai Maadam

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1638 ANSWERED ON 13.02.2023

## EMPHASIS ON DEKHO APNA DESH

## 1638. SHRIMATI POONAMBEN MAADAM:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to emphasize upon 'Dekho Apna  Desh'  to  promote  15  tourist  spots  among  domestic tourists post-pandemic;
- (b)
- If so, the details thereof;
- (c) The  steps  taken/being  taken  by  the  Government  to  upgrade skills of tour guides;
- (d)
- whether the Government has  formulated new tourism policy; and
- (e) If so, the salient features of the policy?

## ANSWER

(SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

## THE MINISTER OF TOURISM

- (a): Yes,  Sir.    Ministry  of  Tourism  had  launched  the  Dekho  Apna Desh  initiative in January  2020. 'Dekho  Apna  Desh'  is being emphasized  and  promoted  extensively  on  social  media  accounts and  website  of  the  Ministry  and  also  by  Domestic  India  Tourism offices.
- (b): Under  this  initiative,  Ministry  has  been  organizing  webinars, quiz,  discussions,  etc  in  order  to  keep  connected  with  the  stakeholders  and  to  encourage  citizens  to  travel  within  the  country.  In addition,  Ministry  of  Tourism  had  also  launched  Dekho  Apna  Desh 'Pledge' regarding "visiting to 15 destinations by the end of 2022" on MyGov platform  which  was  taken  by  2,50,373  citizens.  More  than 170 webinars have also been conducted so far under Dekho Apna Desh.

(c): Ministry of Tourism  is running Pan-India Incredible India Tourist  Facilitator  (IITF)  Certification  Program  w.e.f.  01.01.2020, which is a digital initiative that aims at creating an Online learning platform  with  the  objective  of  creating  a  pool  of  well  trained  and professional  Tourist  Facilitators/  Guides  across  the  country.  The system  provides  basic,  advanced  IITG  (heritage  and  adventure), spoken language and refresher courses for candidates. The candidates can pursue these online courses from anywhere and at any  time  and  at  their  own  pace.  So  far,  Incredible  India  Tourism Facilitator  Basic  Course  online  exam  has  been  conducted  for  four times,  wherein,  a  total  4438  candidates  have  completed  the  IITF Basic exam.

Vide  amendment  in  the  guidelines  dated  11.01.2021,  the  existing Regional Level Guides (RLG) have been renamed as Incredible India Tourist  Guide  (IITG)  and  they  have  been  integrated  with  this  new system of IITF/  IITG.  The  nomenclature  of  existing  Regional  Level Guide (RLG) will be changed to Incredible India Tourist Guide (IITG) on completion of the Refresher Course, and their area of operation has been widened from a specified region to Pan India.

- (d): Yes,  Sir.  Ministry  of  Tourism  has  drafted  a  new  National Tourism Policy.
- (e):
- The key strategic objectives of the draft policy are:
- (i) To enhance the contribution of tourism in Indian economy by increasing the visitation, stay and spend and making India a year-round tourist destination.
- (ii) To create jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities in tourism sector and ensure supply of skilled work force.
- To  enhance  the  competitiveness  of  tourism  sector  and
- (iii) attract private sector investment.
- (iv) To preserve and enhance the cultural and natural resources of the country.
- (v) To ensure sustainable, responsible and inclusive development of tourism in the country.

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