Tourism Ministry developing 15 thematic circuits for development of tourism : Patel

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : The Ministry of Tourism, under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, is developing thematic circuits in the country in planned and prioritised manner. Under the scheme, fifteen thematic circuits have been identified for development namely; North-East Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Desert Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Eco Circuit, Wildlife Circuit, Rural Circuit, Spiritual Circuit, Ramayana Circuit, Heritage Circuit, Sufi Circuit, and Tirthankara Circuit.

Submission of proposals by the State Governments under the scheme is a continuous process. The projects under the scheme are identified for development in consultation with the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations and are sanctioned subject to availability of funds, submission of suitable Detailed Project Reports, adherence to scheme guidelines and utilisation of funds released earlier.

Ministry of Tourism has taken several steps for development of tourism in the country which inter-alia includes :  Launched the Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD Schemes for development of tourism infrastructure in the country; Identified 17 Iconic Sites in the country for development by seeking convergence with other Central Ministries/Departments/State Governments /Urban Local Bodies; Launched the “Adopt a Heritage-Apni Dharohar Apni Pehchan” Project for development and maintenance of tourist amenities at heritage sites/monuments and other tourist sites; Development and promotion of ‘Niche Tourism’ products to attract tourist with specific interest and to ensure repeat visits for the unique products in which India has a comparative advantage; Launched 24×7 toll free Multi-Lingual Tourist Helpline; Promoting India as a holistic tourism destination including its various tourism sites and products through Incredible India 2.0 Campaign; Providing facility of e-Visa for 5 sub-categories i.e. e-Tourist visa, e-Business visa, e-Medical visa, e-Medical Attendant visa, and e-Conference visa for nationals of 170 countries; Launched Incredible India Tourist Facilitator Programme on an online digital platform to provide basic, advanced and refresher courses for tourist facilitators.

Lowering of GST on hotels rooms with tariffs of Rs 1,001 to Rs 7,500/night to 12% and for Rs 7,501 & above to 18% to increase India’s competitiveness as a tourism destination.

This information was given by the Minister of State (I/c) of Culture and Tourism Prahlad Singh Patel in written reply to a query in the Lok Sabha on February 3, 2020, according to a PIB release.