New tourism policy all set to make India a preferred destination
The Tourism Ministry is in the process of formulating a national tourism policy with the aim of positioning India as a “must see” destination for global travellers. The policy will encourage Indians to explore their own country and realise the potential of tourism as a major engine for economic growth. It will also generate employment. The government has asked for suggestions to prepare the draft of a new National Tourism Policy, 2015. A draft policy, based on inputs/suggestions received from stakeholders, eminent personalities and experts in the field of tourism, state governments and Union Territory administrations has been uploaded on the official websites of the ministry, www.incredibleindia.org and www.tourism.gov.in. The new policy will be prepared after re-visiting the existing National Tourism Policy 2002 and a series of consultations with stakeholders, a government statement said on Friday. The policy will also focus on employment generation and community participation in tourism development across the country. The policy enshrines the vision of developing and position India as a “must experience” and “must re-visit” destination, the statement said. Setting up of the National Tourism Advisory Board with tourism ministers of states and experts as members, and the National Tourism Authority are also planned in the proposed policy. The new rule also stresses on skill development across all segments by setting up of a dedicated university for tourism and hospitality education, and use of social media, mobile applications, wi-fi connectivity at tourist centres. Apart from giving online training to international tour operators, the policy will encourage multilateral tourism fora under SAARC, ASEAN, IBSA, BRICS and others. The new initiative is aimed at developing common packages with SAARC and ASEAN nations on themes that link these countries such as the Buddhist Circuit, Ramayana Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, Heritage Circuit, etc. From May 1, tourists from 76 countries will be able to get visa on arrival from nine designated Indian airports. Earlier, the facility was available for visitors from 45 countries. The new countries included in e-tourist visa scheme are Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Canada, Cayman Island, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, France, Georgia, Grenada, Haiti, HolySee (Vatican), Honduras, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Macedonia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Nicaragua, Paraguay, St.Kitts & Nevis and Seychelles. “The scheme will be extended to more countries in a phased manner. The government is committed to extend the scheme to 150 countries by the end of this financial year,” an official statement said. As per the report of the Working Group on Tourism set up by the government, for a projected annual growth of 12% in foreign tourist arrivals, the country will require 1.90 lakh hotel rooms by 2016. Countries like Brazil and New Zealand have contribution of tourism sector in GDP of about 8.6% and 8.7% respectively. In case of India, the contribution of tourism industry to the GDP is better than countries like Canada, South Africa, Indonesia and Australia. As per the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) 2009-10 and subsequent estimation, the contribution of tourism to total GDP during 2011-12 and 2012-13 were 6.76% and 6.88% respectively. India has witnessed a positive growth in foreign tourist arrivals in the last three years. Apart from e-tourist visa, the government has also implemented schemes like Swadesh Darshan and Prasad, Swachh Bharat Swachh Smarak Campaign and Publicity and Promotion to boost tourism.
May 1, 2015 | 8:18 pm IST.
to success.