Lok Sabha Question No. 3844 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-24
Subject: Incredible India Content Hub
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shri Dushyant Singh, Shri Mukesh Rajput

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.+3844

## ANSWERED ON 24.03.2025

## INCREDIBLE INDIA CONTENT HUB

- †3844. SHRI MUKESH RAJPUT: SHRI DUSHYANT SINGH:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- the  measures  being  implemented  by  the  Government  to  improve road  and  air  connectivity  to  iconic  and  lesser-known  tourist destinations  in  the  country  along  with  the  details  of  targeted
- (a) investments in infrastructure; and
- (b) whether the Government proposes to integrate emerging technologies  like  Virtual  Reality  (VR)  with  the  Incredible  India Content Hub to provide more immerging tourism experiences?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF TOURISM         (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a): Development and promotion of  tourist destinations and products, including religious tourism is undertaken  by  the  respective State Government/UT  Administration.  The  Ministry  of  Tourism  complements the  efforts  of  States/UTs  by  developing  and  promoting  various  tourism products of the country through various schemes and initiatives.

Ministry of Tourism works closely with Ministry of Road Transport and Ministry  of  Civil  Aviation  for  improving  road  and  air  connectivity  to tourist destinations. Under RCS UDAN, Ministry of Tourism collaborated with  Ministry  of  Civil  Aviation  and  shared  the  Viability  Gap  Funding (VGF) amount for 53 tourism routes identified.

In  order  to  attract  foreign  investment  in  the  tourism  sector,  100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is allowed under the automatic route in the  tourism  and  hospitality  industry  in  India,  subject  to  applicable regulations  and  laws.  100%  FDI  is  allowed  in  tourism  construction projects, including the development of hotels, resorts and recreational facilities. To  give  fillip  to  private  investment  in  tourism,  three-star  or  higher category classified hotels located outside cities with population of more than  1  million,  ropeways  &  cable  cars  and  Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre  Projects  with  minimum  built-up  floor  area  of  100,000  square metres  of  exclusively  exhibition  space  or  convention  space  or  both combined,  have  been  included  in the Harmonized  Master  List  of infrastructure sub-sectors. Further  in  Union  Budget  2025-26,  an  announcement  for  inclusion  of Hotels  located  in  the  top  50  tourist  destination  sites  in  the  country, identified for development in challenge mode, in the Harmonized Master List of infrastructure sub-sectors. (b): The Ministry has launched the revamped version of Incredible India Digital Platform (IIDP) on September 27, 2024 as a comprehensive resource  for  travellers  and  stakeholders  interested  in  exploring  the country's rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and diverse attractions. One of the new feature of the IIDP is the Incredible India Content Hub - a comprehensive digital repository, featuring rich collection of high-quality images,  films,  brochures,  and  newsletters  related  to  tourism  in  India. This repository is intended for the use of a diverse range of stakeholders, including tour operators, journalists, students, researchers, film makers, authors, influencers, content creators, government  officials,  and  ambassadors.  The  IIDP  uses  an  AI-powered tool that personalizes visitor experiences by offering real-time weather updates, city exploration, and essential travel services. The portal has also partnered with several OTAs (Online Travel Agents) and Stakeholders for  seamless  booking  of flights,  hotels,  cabs,  and  buses and tickets for ASI monuments.

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