Lok Sabha Question No. 120 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-04-25
Subject: Promotion of Ancient Games to Attract Tourists
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: S.P. MUDDAHANUMEGOWDA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.120 ANSWERED ON 25.04.2016

## PROMOTION OF ANCIENT GAMES TO ATTRACT TOURISTS

120.  SHRI S.P. MUDDAHANUME GOWDA:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether an increase is expected in tourism, world-wide;
- (b) if so, the schemes being prepared by the Government to take the advantage of this increase;
- (c) whether the Government is considering any project to popularize such  games/sports  which  are  related  to  ancient  culture  of  the country to attract tourists, particularly in Karnataka; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

- (a): The United Nation World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) projects International Tourist Arrivals to grow by 4% world - wide during 2016.
- (b): Various initiatives undertaken by the Government to attract foreign tourists to the country are as follows:-
- i. Multilingual Tourist Infoline:

The  Ministry  of  Tourism  has  launched  the  24x7  Toll  Free  MultiLingual  Tourist  Info  Line  on  8.2.2016.  Besides  English  and  Hindi,  the languages  handled  by  the  contact  centers  include  ten  International languages namely,  Arabic, French,  German,  Italian, Japanese,  Korean, Chinese, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. The multi-lingual helpdesk in the designated languages provides support service in terms of providing information relating to Travel & Tourism in India and assist the callers with  advice  on  action  to  be  taken  during  times  of  distress  while travelling in India and if need be alert the concerned authorities.

## ii. E - Tourist Visa (e-TV):

The Government of India has introduced the facility of e-TV for the citizens of 150 countries at 16 airports. Introduction of e-TV is a Path breaking measure by the Government in easing entry formalities in the country.

The Visa on Arrival facility has been extended to the nationals of Japan w.e.f. 1st March, 2016.

## iii. Revision of the e-TV fee:

The e - TV fee has been revised in four slabs of 0, US $25, US $48, and US $60 from November 3, 2015. Earlier, e-TV application fee was US $60 and bank charge was US $2 which was uniform for all the countries. Bank charges have also been reduced from US $2 to 2.5 % of the e-TV

fee.

## iv. Publicity and Promotion:

The Ministry of Tourism promotes India as a holistic destination in the  international  markets.  As  part  of  its  promotional  activities,  the Ministry  releases  campaigns  in  the  international  markets  under  the Incredible India brand-line to showcase various tourism destinations and products including its cultural heritage.

Moreover, a series of promotional activities are being undertaken in tourist generating markets overseas through the India Tourism Offices abroad  with  the objective  of showcasing  India's  tourism  potential and promoting tourism to the country. These promotional activities include participation  in  travel  fairs  and  exhibitions;  organising  road  shows, Know  India  seminars  &  workshops;  organizing  and  supporting  Indian food  and  cultural  festivals;  publication  of  brochures,  offering  joint advertising and brochure support, and inviting media personalities, tour operators and opinion makers to visit the country under the Hospitality programme of the Ministry.

The Ministry of Tourism provides financial assistance to Stakeholders and Tourism  Departments  of  States/Union  Territories  for undertaking  promotional  activities  under  the  Marketing  Development Assistance Scheme.

## v. Central Financial Assistance:

Ministry  of  Tourism  operates  various  schemes  through  which Central Financial Assistance  is  provided  to  States/UTs  for  overall development  and  promotion  of  tourism.  Following  two  schemes  have been launched for development of tourism in thematic manner:

Swadesh Darshan: Swadesh Darshan was launched for development of theme based tourist circuits in a way that caters to both mass and niche tourism in a holistic manner. Thirteen Circuits namely North-East  India  Circuit,  Buddhist  Circuit,  Himalayan  Circuit,  Coastal Circuit, Krishna  Circuit, Desert  Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Eco  Circuit, Wildlife  Circuit,  Rural  Circuit,  Spiritual  Circuit,  Ramayana  Circuit  and Heritage Circuit have been identified for development  under this Scheme.

National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD):

This Scheme has been launched for the development and beautification of pilgrimage sites to tap the growth of domestic tourists driven by religious sentiments and to augment tourism infrastructure at places of pilgrimage to facilitate pilgrims/tourists. Cities namely Amritsar,  Kedarnath,  Ajmer,  Mathura,  Varanasi,  Gaya,  Puri,  Dwarka, Amaravati, Kanchipuram, Vellankanni, Kamakhya and Patna have been identified for infrastructure development under the scheme.

(c) and (d): Primary responsibility for promotion and development of sports  disciplines  including  traditional/conventional  indigenous  games like archery, wrestling, kabaddi, kho-kho, etc.  is that of the concerned National Sports Federations.

The  existing  schemes  of  the  Government  of  India  and  Sports Authority of India (SAI) lay  adequate  focus on the promotion  of traditional  and  indigenous  games.  Under  the  Scheme  of  Assistance  to National Sports Federations (NSFs), the sports federations dealing with indigenous/traditional games including archery, wrestling, Kho-Kho and Kabaddi have been given Government recognition, and are provided with financial assistance for promotional and developmental activities.

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