In order to give boost to the tourism sector, Union Tourism Minister today demanded that it should be accorded infrastructure status.
"We have also asked the Planning Commission to give tourism an infrastructure status which will provide benefit to investors (who want to invest in tourism)," Subodh Kant Sahay told reporters here on the sidelines of north India cinematic tourism conclave.
He further said that the tourism ministry had asked the Planning Commission to earmark funds to the tune of Rs 22,000 crore in next five-year-plan for implementing new initiatives and generate more employment. "We have sought funds amounting to Rs 22,000 crore from Planning Commission for the next five year plan. In addition to it, private investments will also come in a big way in this sector which would help in generating employment for 3 crore people," he said.
Describing low inbound tourism traffic as a challenge, Sahay said that extensive efforts should be made to enhance the flow of foreign tourists in the country. Sahay said that the tourism ministry was aiming to increase the percentage of inbound tourists flow from 0.5 per cent to 1 per cent which will translate into additional inflow of 50 lakh tourists in the country.
"We want growth of tourism sector should go up to 12 per cent from 8-9 per cent at present," he said. On new projects, Sahay said that he was working on developing a Sikh circuit as new tourist destination by giving connectivity to five 'takhts' (seat of authority in Sikhism). These five 'takhts' are Patna Sahib in Bihar, Hazoor Sahib at Nanded in Maharashtra, Akal takht in Amritsar, Keshgarh Sahib in Anandpur (Punjab) and Damdama Sahib at Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda in Punjab. Union Tourism Minister, Government of India, Subodh Kant Sahay, applauded the efforts of Chandigarh Administration to promote Chandigarh as a cinematic tourist destination in this region during the North India Cinematic Tourism Conclave held here today at Hotel Mountview. bn
The conclave was jointly organised by the Department of Tourism, Chandigarh Administration, in collaboration with Northern India Management Association. The cinematic tourism conclave had active participation from the neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana for promotion of cinematic tourism in this region.
» Read Complete News.....(You need to login first to read complete news). New User? Register for FREE!
» Back to Travel News