Lok Sabha Question No. 1671 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-07-31
Subject: Promotion of Foreign Investment in Tourism Sector
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Bheemrao Baswanthrao Patil

- (a)

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1671 ANSWERED ON 31.07.2023

## PROMOTION OF FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN TOURISM SECTOR

## 1671. SHRI B.B. PATIL:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- the details of the national policy to promote tourism in the country;
- (b) the measures taken to increase the public participation in tourism sector; and
- (c) the  measures  taken  to  promote  foreign  investment  in  tourism sector?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM

(SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

- (a): The  Ministry  of  Tourism  has  drafted  a  National  Tourism  Policy incorporating suggestions received from Central Ministries, State Governments/UT  Administrations  and  Industry  Stakeholders.  The  key strategic objectives of the 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,
- iii. To enhance the competitiveness of tourism sector and 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.
- (b): The following measures have been taken by Ministry of Tourism to increase the public participation in tourism sector :-
1. Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has launched the 'Adopt a Heritage:  Apni  Dharohar,  Apni  Pehchaan'  project  for developing tourism  amenities  at  heritage/natural/tourist  sites  spread  across India  for  making  them  tourist  friendly,  in  a  planned  and  phased
- manner.  The  project  aims  to  encourage  companies  from  public sector, private sector, trusts, NGOs, individuals, and other stakeholder s to become 'Monument Mitras' and take up the responsibility  of  developing  and  upgrading  the  basic  and  advanced tourist amenities at these sites as per their interest and viability in terms of a sustainable investment model under CSR and other funds.
2. In  order  to  deliberate,  ideate  and  devise  strategies  for  promoting 'Tourism in Mission Mode' and in line with the Government decision, the  Ministry  of  Tourism  organized  a  2  days  Chintan  Shivir -on  the theme of 'Tourism in Mission Mode: Conv ergence and Public Private Partnership', on 28 -29 March, 2023 at New Delhi.
3. The Ministry  of  Tourism has  instituted  a  steering  committee  for increasing  investments  and  public  private  participation  in  tourism and hospitality sector. The committee has representation from key line  Ministries,  industry  associations  (CII,  FICCI,  HAI,  HHAI)  and Invest India.
4. The guidelines  for Swadesh  Darshan2.0  envisage  encouraging  the States for opportunities for Private-Sector and Public-Private Partnerships.
5. PRASHAD  Scheme  provides  for  PPP  mode  in  only  operation  and maintenance  of  the  facilities created/to be created under the project.
6. Ministry of Tourism has launched the Travel for LiFE Initiative. Travel for LiFE aims to promote sustainable tourism in the country, through mindful and deliberate actions mobilized toward tourists and tourism businesses in the consumption of tourism resources.
7. Ministry of Tourism is organizing webinars under Dekho Apna Desh initiative  to  create  awareness  among  the  citizens  about  the  rich heritage  and  culture  of  the  country,  generate  a  sense  of  national pride  and  belongingness  among  the  citizens,  and  encourage  the citizen to travel widely within the country, enhanced tourist footfalls, development of local economy and creation of job at local level.
8. The  Ministry  through  its  regional  offices  has  also  organized  quiz programmes, essay writing and poster making competitions at YUVA Tourism  Clubs,  IHMs,  IITTMs,  Schools  to  create  awareness  about history,  heritage,  tourism  products  and  destinations  in  the  country among the students.
- (c): 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.

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