Tourism sector eyes global audience
NEW DELHI: Taking a step forward from the ongoing Swadesh Darshan scheme, the Centre has planned to develop pan Indian national circuits. While these circuits will help both foreign and domestic tourists in selecting the destinations as per their choice, it will also help a lot in employment generation.
Suman Billa, joint secretary, Ministry of Tourism said that the idea is to develop national circuits on various themes to attract more tourists and create more employment. “The circuits will be based on wildlife, beach or other themes. A tourism circuit will be developed in north-eastern region as well. A circuit would have one major theme with provision of sub themes,” the officer said, adding that a comprehensive study will be conducted to assess the existing scenario of all the destinations.
Unlike the earlier model of developing tourist circuits in which states would propose projects, now, only Centre will ensure timely implementation. Ministry sources said that involvement of states usually results in delays and this is why the Centre has decided to propose projects.
The official added that the initiatives have led to rise in Foreign exchange earnings (FEEs) through tourism in last three years of Narendra Modi government. FEEs during the month of April, this year were Rs 14,692 crore as compared to Rs 11,495 crore in April 2016 and Rs 10,091 crore in April 2015.
The Union Tourism ministry will appoint a market research consultant to carry out the work of identification of circuits through data collection, mapping potential and consultation with various stakeholders. The consultant will have to procure all necessary data including secondary information like different scenario including global, national, site specific etc. The destinations will be identified on potential, current visitors and various other factors considered under the study.
The Union Ministry of Tourism launched Swadesh Darshan, a scheme to develop theme based tourist circuits across the country in the year 2015.
Travel Bonanza
■ Union Ministry of Tourism launched Swadesh Darshan, a scheme to develop theme based tourist circuits across the country in the year 2015.
■ Under Swadesh Darshan scheme, thirteen thematic circuits have been identified including Buddhist Circuit, North-East India Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Desert Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Eco Circuit, Wildlife Circuit, Rural Circuit, Spiritual Circuit, Ramayana Circuit and Heritage Circuit.
■ During 2016-17, Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned 31 projects under Swadesh Darshan Scheme worth Rs 2601.76 crore and Rs 506.47 crore has been released.