Shillong, Sept 3: Union tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Monday said the Ministry of Tourism is focusing on creation of ‘iconic’ and ‘alternative’ tourist destinations across the country to enhance the face of Indian tourism globally.
Speaking to media after chairing a Tourism Minister’s Conference here, he said, “These meetings will focus on developing iconic tourist destinations globally, enhancing alternative destinations, and improving marketing, promotion, safety, connectivity, cleanliness, and ease of doing business in the tourism sector.”
The conference was attended by tourism ministers from East India, and different Union Territories.
The conference designed to share insights and strategies on how to improve tourism brought together delegates and representatives from several Eastern states as well as the Northeast and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Shekhawat said the Ministry of Tourism is convening a series of meetings with different regions of the country to bring in more collaboration with all States and UTs for the overall growth and development of tourism. This is the third meeting in the series, the earlier ones being for the northern, central and western regions in Chandigarh followed by Goa respectively.
He remarked that tourism industry is looking for investments from private players for a greater push as part of the public private partnership (PPP) model.
“India has seen substantial economic progress under the leadership of PM Narendra Modiji. Infrastructure has developed significantly over the past decade, and the global perspective on India has changed. People around the world are looking at India with renewed enthusiasm, eager to understand it as it was in historical times,” he said.
He also announced several government initiatives that would promote tourism in the region. “The Swadesh Darshan scheme, launched by Prime Minister Modi, provides financial assistance to state governments and Union Territories for tourism development. From 2014-15 to 2018-19, the government undertook 76 projects worth 5000 crore rupees, including 16 in the Northeast,” he said.
“We have revamped the Swadesh Darshan scheme to focus on sustainability and responsible tourism. Under the revised scheme, 57 destinations across 32 states and UTs have been identified, and 23 projects worth 715 crore rupees have been launched under Swadesh Darshan 2.”
Highlighting on the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) scheme, focusing on pilgrimage and spiritual tourism, he said, “So far, 46 projects worth Rs 1,624 crore have been initiated under the PRASAD scheme.”
“We have also introduced a new sub-scheme under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 dedicated to developing child-friendly destinations.”
“We encourage states to submit proposals for spiritual tourism, culture and heritage, vibrant village programs, eco-tourism, and Amrit Dharohar sites. The Ministry has selected 42 destinations across various tourism themes in 25 states and UTs for development under this scheme,” he added.
Several states’ presentations were held where tourism potentials were discussed alongside future plans for enhancement.
Capital Investment to support tourism project
He informed that the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Tourism have collaborated for a prestigious tourism project – ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ and have invited citizens to vote for their preferred destinations. “The initiatives is aimed to develop and enhance tourist experience,” he said.
Other campaigns to promote tourism include – ‘Chalo India’ campaign and redesign the Incredible India website to provide tourist with world class information and content on India’s tourism destinations.
The conference lasted for over seven hours, and the minister termed the meeting as fruitful. “I would like to extend my gratitude to all states, ministers, and officials for their valuable contributions,” he remarked.
The Union Minister will visit South West Khasi Hills district Tuesday and chair a review meeting with the state and district level officers. He will also visit some of the infrastructure sites in the district.
Hospitality USP of Meghalaya, says Paul
State tourism minister Paul Lyngdoh showcased Meghalaya’s natural treasure, the UNESCO-recognised Mawmluh cave, at the conference while strongly advocating that the state’s USP is its hospitality.
“The true essence of Meghalaya lies in the warmth and hospitality of our people”, he said while strongly making the point on promoting sustainable tourism, and addressing the challenge of heavy tourist footfall, limited infrastructure, and the need for better connectivity.
He further said tourism in Meghalaya directly employs over 50,000 residents, with Rs 465 crore invested in the sector over past three years.
He also spoke at length on the Community-Led Tourism Infrastructure Development Scheme and the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (MGMP), through which government is further creating an enabling ecosystem to boost tourism in the state.
