The Indian Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with industry stakeholders, has developed a draft National Tourism Policy for 2023 aimed at boosting the contribution of tourism to the Indian economy. The policy seeks to increase tourism visitation, length of stay, and spending, as well as to position India as a year-round tourist destination. In a statement to Parliament, Union Tourism and Culture Minister G Kishan Reddy outlined the strategic objectives of the policy, including job creation, fostering entrepreneurial opportunities, and attracting private sector investment.
Additionally, the draft policy aims to preserve and enhance India’s cultural and natural resources, promote sustainable and responsible tourism development, and align with the country’s sustainable development goals. Reddy emphasized the policy’s focus on encouraging innovation, exploring new markets, and leveraging India’s rich culture and heritage.
The development of the draft policy involved consultations with central ministries, state tourism departments, and industry stakeholders. Reddy also highlighted the Ministry of Tourism’s efforts to engage with state tourism ministers to develop a vision for the tourism sector.
In response to inquiries about initiatives to promote various tourist circuits, Reddy mentioned the Swadesh Darshan 1.0 scheme, which has identified 15 themes for the development of tourism circuits, including the Himalayan Circuit. Seven projects under the Himalayan Circuit theme have been sanctioned for an amount of Rs 587.92 crore.
Furthermore, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) launched the Baba Saheb Ambedkar Yatra by the Bharat Gaurav tourist train, following a recommendation from the Ministry of Tourism. The Ministry also organized a FAM trip on the Bharat Gaurav tourist train on the Ambedkar Circuit to promote this special initiative, hosting various stakeholders to raise awareness about the initiative.
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