In order to develop tourism facilities around heritage monuments in the country, the Tourism Ministry has decided to seek the help of Corporate and public sector undertakings.
President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday launched ‘Adopt a heritage’ Project of the tourism ministry which plans to entrust heritage sites to the public sector, private sector companies and individuals.
Speaking on World Tourism Day, the President, Ram Nath Kovind said that inclusive tourism development can strengthen inclusive economic development.
“Every citizen should strive to provide a good experience to tourists at his or her own level. In a tourism conscious society, the role of the government is only to provide direction and a facilitating environment,” the President said.
Speaking about the new initiative, Kovind said that ‘Adopt a Heritage Project’ which was launched with the efforts of the Tourism Ministry, Culture Ministry and Archaeological Survey of India, has great potential to make our rich and diverse heritage monuments, tourist-friendly.
The President also launched the “Incredible India 2.0 Campaign”; and new Incredible India Website on the occasion.
“Incredible India 2.0 Campaign” marks a shift from the present generic promotions being undertaken across the world, to market specific promotional plans and product-specific creatives, with a greater focus on digital presence and social media.
On the occasion, the President presented the “National Tourism Awards, 2015-16” to various segments of the travel, tourism and hospitality industry.
Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh bagged the award in the category of ‘Best State for Comprehensive Development of Tourism.’
Union Minister of State for Tourism, Alphons Kannanthanam called upon all to commit to transform India into one of the most preferred destinations for travellers around the world as he said that India’s Foreign Tourist Arrivals and Domestic Tourist visits are on a growth trajectory.
“Our collective goal is to develop the tourism sector in India in a sustainable and responsible manner. Our policies and actions must aim to strengthen the benefits and reduce the costs of tourism,” added the minister.
He called upon leaders of travel and tourism industry to share their vision and innovative ideas on tourism, to translate Prime Minister's grand vision in transforming India’s tourism sector.