role of government in tourism

Unit 2Role of Government in Tourism

Tourism in India Since 1947Establishment of Ministry of Tourism

Organizational structure and functionsI.T.D.C. -Role and Functions

Tourism at state level – Study of U.P. Tourism

Tourism in India Since 1947(Introduction)

India can always boast of its rich cultural heritage. Travel and Tourism in India is an integral part of Indian tradition and culture. In ancient times, travel was primarily for pilgrimage – as the holy places dotting the country attracted people from different parts of the world. People also travelled to participate in large scale feasts, fairs and festivals in different parts of the country. In such a background, cultural tradition was developed where ‘Athithi Devo Bhava’ (the guest is god) and ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family) became bywords of Indian social behaviour.

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru often remarked, “Welcome a Tourist and send back a friend”. That was the essence of India’s approach to tourism in the post-Independence era. Tourism was seen as an important instrument for national integration and international understanding.

Tourism in India Since 1947

The first conscious and organized efforts to promote tourism in India were made in 1945 when a committee was set up by the government under the chairmanship of Sir John Sargent, the then Educational Advisor to the government of India (Krishna, A.G., 1993). Thereafter, the development of tourism was taken up in a planned manner in 1956 coinciding with the second five year plan. The approach has evolved from isolated planning of single unit facilities in the second and third five year plan. The sixth plan marked the beginning of a new era when tourism began to be considered as a major instrument for social integration and economic development. But it was only after the 80s that tourism activity gained momentum.

Tourism in India Since 1947India Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (ITDC)

India Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (ITDC) came into existence in October 1966 with the sole objective of developing and expending tourism infrastructure in the country and thereby promoting India as a tourist destination. Working on the philosophy of public sector, ITDC succeeded in achieving its objectives by promoting the largest hotel chain in India and providing all tourist services i.e. Accommodation, Catering, Transport, in-house Travel Agency, Duty Fee Shopping, Entertainment Publicity etc. under a single window. It also offers consultancy services from concept to commissioning in the tourism field both for private as well as public sector.

Tourism in India Since 1947The National Tourism Policy 1982

In November 1982, a tourism policy was formulated and presented to the Parliament. The objective of the policy was to so develop tourism that it:• Becomes a unifying force nationally and internationally fostering a

better understanding. • Helps preserving Indian Heritage and culture and projecting the same

to the world.• Brings socio-economic benefits in terms of employment, income

generation, revenue generation, foreign exchange etc.• Gives direction and opportunity to the youth of the country to

understand the aspirations and view point of others and helps in developing national integration.

• Offers opportunities to the youth of the country, not only for employment but also for taking up activities for nation-building and character-building like sports, adventure activities etc.

Tourism in India Since 1947The National Tourism Policy 1982 (Continued)

The national policy highlighted the need for coordination and appropriately referred to tourism as a „common endeavour‟. A national committee on tourism which was constituted soon after submitted its report in 1988. The report covered all the important issues relating to the role of tourism, the need for infrastructure and development, etc. Some of the crucial recommendations in the report were:

• The need for re-arranging the existing organizational structure of the Department of Tourism and the need for an apex body called the National Tourism Board.

• The setting up of a standing committee of Tourism Ministers for an integrated approach to tourism development and also to effectively associate the state governments.

• To ensure implementation of the recommendation, a National Policy needs to be evolved, supported by a comprehensive legislation.

• Tourism needs to be integrated into overall plans of the country and into area development plans.

Tourism in India Since 1947Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management

(IITTM) • IITTM was set up in January 1983.• Registered office at New Delhi. • Offers different level academic courses in tourism

and travel management and related areas. • It has embarked upon a series of alternative

educational courses for supervisory and grass root level workers of the industry.

Tourism in India Since 1947National Council for Hotel Management and Catering

Technology (1984)• It acts as an apex body to coordinate training and

research in hotel and catering management. • Its head office is in New Delhi. • It is the main agency for planning and monitoring the

activities of 15 institutes of Hotel Management and 15 food craft institutes.

• Ensures uniformity in academic standards and procedures for selection and admission of candidates for various courses conducted by these institutes.

Tourism in India Since 1947Tourism Finance Corporation of India Ltd.(TFCI)

• TFCI is sponsored by IFCI (Industrial Finance Corporation of India).• TFCI was set up in April 1988.• TFCI is set up with a view to provide institutional assistance to tourism

projects other than those in the accommodation sector.• In addition to the above mentioned organizations at the central level, the

state government and union territories have their own Department of Tourism, Tourism Development Corporations and other institutions or organizations formed for the purpose of helping the development of tourism industry in their areas.

• Besides these, various agencies such as Department of Archaeology, International Airport Authority of India, Indian Airlines, Vayudoot, Indian Railways, Custom Department, Reserve Bank of India, Forest Departments, Handloom and Handicrafts Boards and Corporations and Individual level agents , hotel and tour operators are engaged in the promotion of tourism in India.

Tourism in India Since 1947The National Action Plan 1992

• In 1992 a National Action Plan 1992 was announced.

• Improvement of tourism infrastructure.

• Developing areas on a selective basis for integrated growth along with marketing of destinations to ensure optimal use of existing infrastructure.

• Restructuring and strengthening of the institutions for development of human resources.

• Evolving a suitable policy for increasing foreign tourist arrivals and foreign exchange earnings.


The National Action Plan 1992The National action plan also mentioned area of action which were important for tourism development but which fall under the control of different ministries of the government of India like improvement in facilities at international airports, liberalized chartered flights and open sky policy for routes on which Air India does not operate or operates in a limited fashion. These were important issues and most of them still need to be addressed.

Tourism in India Since 1947The New Tourism Policy (2002)

• In 2002, the action plan was finally translated into a tourism policy and it officially became a joint central-state government concern.

• The policy document attempted to establish tourism's great contribution in national development and its role as an engine of growth.

• It suggested that tourism not only generates government revenue, foreign currency, but also provides an optimal use of India's scarce resources, sustainable development, high quality employment(especially to youngsters, women and disabled people), and finally peace, understanding, national unity and stability.

• The policy aimed at increasing the number of domestic and international tourists. In order to do this, the government proposed to diversify the Indian tourism products and substantially improve the quality of tourism infrastructure, marketing, visa arrangements and air travel.

Tourism in India Since 1947Incredible India Campaign

• In 2002, Government of India launched an international marketing campaign named as Incredible India

• Launched to promote tourism in India to global audience. • The Incredible India campaign projected India as an attractive

tourist destination by showcasing different aspects of Indian culture and history like yoga, spirituality, etc.

• The campaign was conducted globally and received appreciation from tourism industry observers and travellers.

• The campaign was substantially criticized from some quarters. Some experts criticized it on its failure to cover several aspects of India which could have been attractive to the average tourist

Tourism in India Since 1947Atithi Devo Bhava

• In 2009, the Ministry of Tourism launched a campaign titled “Atithi Devo Bhava”

• To educate local population regarding good behaviour and etiquettes while dealing with foreign tourists.

• Atithi Devo Bhava aimed at creating awareness about the effects of tourism and sensitizing the local population about preservation of India's heritage, culture, cleanliness and hospitality.

• It also attempted to re-instill a sense of responsibility towards tourists and re-enforce the confidence of foreign tourists towards India as a preferred holiday destination.

• The concept was designed to complement the “Incredible India” Campaign.

Major Tourism Promotion Campaigns and Initiatives at a Glance

• 1946 Sir John Sargent Committee on Tourism• 1949 Sir John Committee Suggestions, Govt. started branches of Tourism in Delhi, Calcutta, Bombay and Madras• 1951-55 First Five Year Plan, No allotment for tourism development • 1957 Establishment of Department of Tourism• 1966 Establishment of Indian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC)• 1966 Establishment of Department of Aviation and Tourism• 1967 Establishment of Ministry of Tourism and civil Aviation• 1982 Declared First time Tourism Policy• 1986 Establishment of National Committee on Tourism• 1986 Separate Department of Tourism• 1986 Tourism as a industry declared by Government• 1986 Separate department with cabinet minister• 1988 Establishment of Ministry of civil Aviation Tourism• 1992 Nation action plan for tourism• 1992 Tourism Year• 1995 Establishment of Tourism cell • 1999-2000 Visit India Year • 2002 The concept of highway tourism, agricultural tourism, and rural tourism A campaign titled as Incredible India

was launched.• 2009 Another campaign titled as Atithi Devo Bhava was introduced.

Tourism in India Since 1947Growth of Tourism

Domestic Tourism: Domestic tourism is as old as the Indian society. According to available statistics, domestic tourism has grown substantially during the last one decade. It increased to 167 million in 1998 from just 64 million in 1990, thus registering a compound annual growth of 12.8 per cent.Inbound Tourism: The growth of inbound tourism since Independence has been quite impressive. It was just around 17 thousand in 1951. From this level it rose to 2.36 million in 1998. Tourism receipts on the other hand have grown at a phenomenal rate of 17 per cent to Rs.11,540 crore in 1998 from Rs.7.7 crore in 1951.

Tourism in India Since 1947Important Facts About Tourism, 2014

● No. of Foreign Tourist Arrivals in India 7.68 Million

Annual Growth Rate 10.2%

● No. of Indian Nationals departures from India 18.33 Million


● No. of Domestic Tourist Visits to all States/UTs 1282 Million


● Foreign Exchange Earnings from Tourism in INR 1,23,320 Crore


● Foreign Exchange Earnings from Tourism in US $ 20.24 Billion


Tourism in India Since 1947Important Facts About Tourism, 2014

India's Position in World• Share of India in International Tourist Arrivals is 0.68%• India's rank in World Tourist Arrivals is 41• Share of India in International Tourism Receipts (US$ terms) is 1.58%• India's rank in World Tourism Receipts is 15

India's Position in Asia & the Pacific Region• Share of India in International Tourist Arrivals is 2.92%• India's rank in International Tourist Arrivals is 12• Share of India in International Tourism Receipts (US $ terms) is 5.22%• India's rank in International Tourism Receipts is 7

Tourism in India Since 1947Economic Impact

Tourism has emerged as an instrument of employment generation, poverty alleviation and sustainable human development. During 1998-99, employment generation through tourism was estimated at 14.79 million. Foreign exchange earnings from the tourism sector during 1998-99 were estimated at Rs.12,011 crore. Tourism has thus become the second largest net foreign exchange earner for the country. Tourism also contributed Rs.24,241 crore during 1998-99 towards the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).


Travel & Tourism generated 23,024,000 jobs directly in 2014 (5.5% of total employment) and this is forecast togrow by 1.9% in 2015 to 23,455,500 (5.5% of total employment).This includes employment by hotels, travel agents, airlines and other passenger transportation services(excluding commuter services). It also includes, for example, the activities of the restaurant and leisure industriesdirectly supported by tourists.By 2025, Travel & Tourism will account for 29,020,000 jobs directly, an increase of 2.2% pa over the next ten years


The total contribution of Travel & Tourism to GDP (including wider effects from investment, the supply chain and induced income impacts) was INR7,642.5bn in 2014 (6.7% of GDP) and is expected to grow by 7.5% to INR8,218.0bn (6.8% of GDP) in 2015. It is forecast to rise by 7.3% pa toINR16,587.2bn by 2025 (7.6% of GDP).

Travel & Tourism is expected to have attracted capital investment of INR2,107.2bn in 2014. This is expected to rise by 9.3% in 2015, and rise by 6.5% pa over the next ten years to INR4,337.8bn in 2025.Travel & Tourism’s share of total national investment will rise from 6.6% in 2015 to 6.9% in 2025.


Thrust AreasIn order to speed up the development of tourism in the country several thrust areas have been identified for accomplishment during the Ninth Five Year Plan (1997-2002). The important ones are development of infrastructure, products, trekking, winter sports, wildlife and beach resorts and streamlining of facilitation procedures at airports, human resource development and facilitating private sector participation in the growth of infrastructure.


OrganisationThe organisations involved in the development of tourism in India are the Ministry of Tourism with its 21 field offices within the country and 18 abroad, Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management, National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology, India Tourism Development Corporation, Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering and the National Institute of Water Sports.

Tourism in India Since 1947Boosting Tourism

Some of the recent initiatives taken by the Government to boost tourism include grant of export house status to the tourism sector and incentives for promoting private investment in the form of Income Tax exemptions, interest subsidy and reduced import duty. The hotel and tourism-related industry has been declared a high priority industry for foreign investment which entails automatic approval of direct investment up to 51 per cent of foreign equity and allowing 100 per cent non-resident Indian investment and simplifying rules regarding the grant of approval to travel agents, tour operators and tourist transport operators.

Tourism in India Since 1947Boosting Tourism

• The first-ever Indian Tourism Day was celebrated on January 25, 1998. • Bauddha Mahotsav was organised from 24th October to 8th

November 1998. • The Year 1999 was celebrated as Explore India Millennium Year by

presenting a spectacular tableau on the cultural heritage of India at the Republic Day Parade and organising India Tourism Expo in New Delhi and Khajuraho.

• The Wong La Millennium was held from April 1999 to January 2001. • A special calendar of events has been formulated for highlighting

contributions to Millennium events by various places in all the States. • An official website of the Ministry of Tourism has also been created

for facilitating dissemination of information on tourism.

Tourism in India Since 1947Constraints

The major constraint in the expansion of international tourist traffic to India is non-availability of adequate infrastructure including adequate air seat capacity, accessibility to tourist destinations, accommodation and trained manpower in sufficient number.

Poor visitor experience, particularly, due to inadequate infrastructural facilities, poor hygienic conditions and incidents of touting and harassment of tourists in some places are factors that contribute to poor visitor experience.


• To sum up, Indian tourism has vast potential for generating employment and earning large sums of foreign exchange besides giving a fillip to the country’s overall economic and social development.

• Much has been achieved by way of increasing air seat capacity, increasing trains and railway connectivity to important tourist destinations, four-laning of roads connecting important tourist centers and increasing availability of accommodation by adding heritage hotels to the hotel industry and encouraging paying guest accommodation.

• But much more remains to be done. Since tourism is a multi-dimensional activity, and basically a service industry, it would be necessary that all wings of the Central and State governments, private sector and voluntary organisations become active partners in the endeavor to attain sustainable growth in tourism if India is to become a world player in the tourist industry.

Establishment of Ministry of TourismThe Ministry of tourism headed by the „Union Minister for Tourism‟ is the nodal agency for the formation of national policies and programs related to tourism. It also coordinates all the activities of the central government agencies, state government undertakings and the private sector for the development and promotion of tourism. The administrative head of the ministry is the secretary (tourism) who also acts as the Directorate General (DG) tourism. Directorate General of tourism has 20 offices within India and 13 offices overseas.

The work of the ministry is divided into 10 divisions which are headed by either a Director or Deputy Secretary level officer. These include Administration, public sector undertakings (PSU) planning & coordination division, publicity, international cooperation and IT & Events divisions, market research division, overseas marketing division, hotels and restaurants division, travel & trade division, integrated finance ,e-governance division, official language division, human resource development and domestic tourism division and parliament vigilance, administration & public grievances divisions.

Establishment of Ministry of Tourism (Aims)

• To promote India as a competent and credible MICE destination.

• To encourage growth of professionalism and evolve an industry code of ethics.

• To promote India as a desirable travel destination to international travellers.

• To give emphasis on the success of the brand incredible India.

• To provide good and services in a cost effective manner.

Organizational Structure of Ministry of Tourism (Objectives)

• To upgrade the standard, quality and effectiveness of tourism marketing to reach the goal of increased tourist arrivals and receipts.

• To Facilitate the development and modernisation of the capitol city in order to attract tourism and investments.

• To improve the standard and quality of human resources and provide quality training in the tourism on sustainable basis.

• To ensure the upgrading and expansion of the stock of tourism attractions, facilities and supporting basic infrastructure on sustainable basis.

• To promote domestic tourism in order to foster cultural cohesion and national integration as well as the re - distribution of income.

• To improve tourism management information system to ensure tourism development and promotion, particularly in the rural areas.

• To improve the standard and quality of tourism services particularly on small and medium scale enterprises towards wealth creation.

Organizational Structure of Ministry of Tourism

• The administrative head of the Ministry is the Secretary (Tourism). • The Secretary also acts as the Director General (DG) Tourism. The

office of the Director General of Tourism {now merged with the office of Secretary (Tourism)} provides executive directions for the implementation of various policies and programs.

• Directorate General of Tourism has a field formation of 20 offices within the country and 14 offices abroad and one sub-ordinate office/project i.e. Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering (IISM) / Gulmarg Winter Sports Project.

• The overseas offices are primarily responsible for tourism promotion and marketing in their respective areas and the field offices in India are responsible for providing information service to tourists and to monitor the progress of field projects.

Organizational Structure of Ministry of Tourism

Functions of Ministry of Tourism• Assistance in the formulation of policies by

providing feedback from the field offices.• Monitoring of Plan Projects and assisting in the

Plan formulation.• Coordinating the activities of field offices and their

supervision.• Assistance for Parliamentary work.• Establishment matters of Directorate General of

Tourism.

Functions of Ministry of TourismRegulation:• Approval and classification of hotels and restaurants.• Approval of travel agents, Inbound tour operators and tourist transport

operators, etc.Inspection & Quality Control:• Guide service• Complaints and redressal.Infrastructure Development:• Release of incentives.• Tourist facilitation and information.• Field publicity, promotion & marketing.• Hospitality programmes.• Conventions & conferences

India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC)

• India Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (ITDC) came into existence in October 1966.

• The sole objective is developing and expending tourism infrastructure in the country and thereby promoting India as a tourist destination.

• Working on the philosophy of public sector, ITDC succeeded in achieving its objectives by promoting the largest hotel chain in India and providing all tourist services i.e. Accommodation, Catering, Transport, in-house Travel Agency, Duty Fee Shopping, Entertainment Publicity etc. under a single window.

• It also offers consultancy services from concept to commissioning in the tourism field both for private as well as public sector.

India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC)

• India Tourism Development Corporation is running hotels, restaurants at various places for tourists, besides providing transport facilities.

• The Corporation is engaged in production, distribution and sale of tourist publicity literature and providing entertainment and duty free shopping facilities to the tourists.

• The Corporation has diversified into new avenues/innovative services like Full-Fledged Money Changer (FFMC) services, engineering related consultancy services etc.

• The Ashok Institute of Hospitality & Tourism Management of the Corporation imparts training and education in the field of tourism and hospitality.

• Presently, ITDC has a network of eight Ashok Group of Hotels, five Joint Venture Hotels, 1 Restaurant, 11 Transport Units, 9 Duty Free Shop at airport and seaports and two Sound & Light Shows.

• Besides, ITDC is also managing a hotel at Bharatpur and a restaurant at Kosi on behalf of the Department of Tourism.

• It is also managing catering services at Western Court, Vigyan Bhawan and Hyderabad House, New Delhi.

Functions of India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC)

• To construct, take over and manage existing hotels and market hotels, Beach Resorts, Travellers' Lodges/Restaurants

• To provide transport, entertainment, shopping and conventional services;

• To produce, distribute, tourist publicity material;• To render consultancy-cum-managerial services in India and

abroad;• To carry on the business as Full-Fledged Money Changers (FFMC),

restricted money changers etc;• To provide innovating, dependable and value for money solutions

to the needs of tourism development and engineering industry including providing consultancy and project implementation.

Uttar Pradesh Tourism• Uttar Pradesh is the fourth largest state in India with an

approximate area of 2,40,928 sqkm. • It is the most populous state in the country with a population of

199.5 million (2011).1 Uttar Pradesh is one of the most favoured state for tourists in India with a consistent ranking amongst the top states in terms of tourist arrivals.

• In 2014 it was ranked 2nd in terms of total tourist arrivals, 2nd in terms of domestic tourist arrivals and 3rd in terms of foreign tourist arrivals amongst Indian states.

• The Tourism industry in Uttar Pradesh has a significant contribution to the state’s economic growth. The contribution of tourism to employment generation both direct and indirect is of immense importance to the state.

Uttar Pradesh TourismUniqueness of Uttar Pradesh

• U.P. is the only state which is abode of one of the wonders of the world “Taj Mahal” which is also a UNESCO world heritage site

• U.P. is home to some very important Hindu pilgrim centres of India viz. Krishna Janmabhoomi (Mathura), Ram Janmabhoomi (Ayodhya), Sangam (Allahabad), Baba Vishwanath (Varanasi), Maa Vindhyavasani (Vindhyachal) etc.

• Some important destinations related to the life of Lord Buddha viz. Kapilvastu, Sarnath, Shravasti, Kaushambi, Sankisa and Kushinagar are located in U.P.

• Uttar Pradesh has a plethora of unique wildlife especially in the Terai region of Dudhwa National Park and Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, which is endowed with unique floral and faunal biodiversity .

• Dudhwa National Park of U.P. is the only protected area (other than Kaziranga National Park, Assam) where one can see one horned rhinoceros along with national animal tiger. It is also the only place in India where one can see 5 species of deer viz. sambhar deer, swamp deer, spotted deer, barking deer and hog deer.

Uttar Pradesh TourismInitiatives Taken By Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department

• Department of Tourism has recently introduced the Uttar Pradesh Heritage Arc which is gaining all round appreciation. It connects three most important tourism hubs of U.P. i.e. Agra, Lucknow and Varanasi. It is bound to boost tourism as it covers the true essence of Uttar Pradesh, by offering a gamut of cultural, religious and heritage tourism assets.

• Apart from Heritage Arc Circuit, UP has some very interesting and potential tourism circuits and trails, such as Buddhist Circuit, Pilgrimage Circuit – Kashi - Sangam, Mathura – Vrindavan, Allahabad – Vindhyachal, Ayodhya Trail, Sufi Trail – Lucknow - Deva Sharif; Ittra Trail – Kannauj, The Great Awadh Circuit – Lucknow, Heritage Trail – Lucknow, Cycling Trail – Lucknow, Taj Nature Tour, Agra Heritage Tour, Agra – Braj Tour; Rhino – Tiger Circuit – Dudhwa National Park, Awadh Bird Trail, Mango Trail, etc.

• The cuisine of Uttar Pradesh is just as diverse as its geography. The main genre of U.P is Awadhi, famed for its Dumpukht (food cooked on slow fire) .

• Uttar Pradesh is also home to rich textiles, crafts, dance/drama, and legacy of musicians adding to the exquisiteness of tourism offerings in the state

Uttar Pradesh TourismInbound Tourism trends

• The total tourist arrival in Uttar Pradesh in 2014 has been 1857.3 lakhs.

• In 2014, International visitor arrivals reached 29.09 lakh.• Agra, Varanasi and Lucknow are the top 3 destinations attracting

foreign tourist in U.P. • Domestic visitors account for 98.4 percent of total tourist visits in

U.P. • There was an additional 786.7 lakh tourists (devotees) visiting the

Prayag at Allahabad for Kumbh Mela in 2013.• Fresh impetus given to print & electronic media, marketing

activities and strategies of UP Tourism Department in 2015 is having a positive impact in capturing tourist’s mindshare.

Uttar Pradesh TourismChallenges faced by Uttar Pradesh Tourism

• Inadequate support infrastructure at tourist destinations.• Inadequate road, rail and air connectivity to various tourist destinations 15.• Inadequate availability of hotel rooms iv. Inadequate availability of skilled

labor.• Limited availability of hygienic and quality food outlets, restaurants at

destinations.• Inadequate cleanliness at tourist destinations and surroundings including

lack of clean public toilets.• Poor visitor management at site especially religious destinations viii. Lack of

conservation of Heritage Sites.• Limited availability of certified tourist guides.• Harassment of tourists from miscreants & notorious elements. • Safety of tourists

Strategies for Strengthening of tourism(U.P)

Air Transport• At present air connectivity is available only for Agra, Lucknow,

Varanasi and other places. Uttar Pradesh Tourism Policy Perspective & Tourism Policy 2016.

• International Airports will be constructed in Agra and Kushinagar.• Civil Airports will be established at Allahabad, Gorakhpur, Jhansi,

Muradabad.• Air taxi and helicopter services will be encouraged to facilitate

travel of tourists.• Private entrepreneurs will be encouraged for operating the air

transport services through the State’s Intra-State Regional Connectivity policy.


Road Transport• All major tourist destinations which lack good connectivity will be

connected through good quality roads. • All major destinations will be connected through 4 lane highways and

where needed the existing 4 lanes will be upgraded to 6 lane highways. • The quality of all the main roads connecting the tourist places in the State

will be significantly improved with the help of the Public Works Department.

• Traffic Signages of International and National standards will be placed along major roads leading to tourist destinations iv. Public amenities like eateries, toilets, washrooms, ATMs, repair shops, petrol pumps etc. will be created at strategic locations.

• Police and Highway Patrol to be ensured on all major state and national highways connecting major tourism destinations in co-ordination with Home department and Highway Authorities.


Bus service• Department of Tourism will increase its offerings in

terms of Tourists Coaches/Luxury Buses by creating tourism packages to major tourism destinations with the help of UPSTDC & private sector.

• Hop-on and Hop-off bus services will be introduced at tourist places


Rail Transport• At present only a few major tourist destinations are

connected to the National capital by superfast express trains. Efforts will be made in close co-ordination with Indian Railways to connect all major tourist destinations with the National Capital Region with high-speed rail services.

• Efforts will be made to extend Shatabdi connectivity to Varanasi on the Heritage Arc (Agra – Lucknow – Varanasi).

• Arrangements for special tourist trains will be made for important tourist destinations/festivals in close co-ordination with Indian Railways


Development of New Tourist DestinationsNew tourist destinations and new circuits shall be identified and presented to tourists ii. In the Tourism Policy of 1998; • Braj Circuit (Mathura, Vrindavan, Agra and other places connected to

Lord Shri Krishna’s life) • Bundelkhand Circuit (Jhansi, Lalitpur, Deogarh, Kalinjar, Chitrakoot

and nearby areas) 33 • Buddha Circuit (pilgrimage sites connected with Lord Buddha) • Vindhya Circuit (areas connected to Vindhyachal and Sonbhadra) • Awadh Circuit (Lucknow and Allahabad and areas in between) • Forest, Eco Tourism and Adventure Tourism Circuit (Wildlife

sanctuaries, forests and ecotourism spots in the State) • Water Sports Circuit (places with possibilities of water sports)


Seven new circuits added to this series of 1998• Heritage Arc (Agra-Lucknow-Varanasi) region.• Mahabharata Circuit (areas connected to the

Mahabharata era) • Ramayana Circuit (areas connected to the Ramayana era) • Jain Circuit (areas connected to the Jain faith) • Sufi Circuit (prominent areas connected to Sufism) • Freedom Struggle Circuit (areas connected to the

independence movement) • Craft, Cuisine and Culture trail (cultural centers connected

to handicrafts, cuisine and special cultural activities)


Human Resource Development• Special efforts are made towards Human Resource Development. Special provisions shall

be made in the budget to increase availability of skilled manpower to the tourism sector.• Local communities will be sensitized about employment opportunities available in the

tourism industry, so that they can adopt skill development for the same.• To maximize benefits to the community, capacity building and training in the tourism

sector will be provided to the communities at tourist destinations. This will be ensured with the help of experienced NGOs/ CBOs/SHGs and District Industries Centre (DICs)/Industries Department.

• To enhance and support entrepreneurship in the backward regions of the state, special trainings and capacity building will be provided amongst local communities.

• The State Govt. will upgrade The Institute of Tourism Management into the nodal agency for tourism training. Technical experts will be invited from the world’s renowned tourism institutes to take their help in human resources development in the tourism sector.

• The State of Uttar Pradesh will establish four new training centres in collaboration with the private sector in Awadh, Varanasi, Bundelkhand and Ruhelkhand regions in the Statee Development


Encouragement to Hotel Industry The conversion of land in urban and rural areas for establishing tourism activities will be done without any cost and no development charges will be payable. The concerned department will have to finalise all the proceedings on such applications within 60 days in urban areas and in 45 days in rural areas. If after the passing of the above period no proceedings are done by the concerned department then the conversion plan will be considered as approvedPlans submitted with all formalities by the entrepreneurs for construction of hotels in the urban area shall be mandatorily approved within 90 days by the authoritiesTourism shall be accorded industry status. Facilities applicable to industries shall be also be available to tourism industry such as: o Sanction of electricity load on priority o To establish their units land will be made available to private entrepreneurs in Tourism industry

like the other industries in the state o Taxes of Nagar Nigam and Jal Sansthan as levied on industries, to be applicable on hotels also. o Hotel construction to be permitted in industrial areas also o Rebate of 30 percent in VAT will be provided on the purchase of plants and machinery or

equipments coming under tourism units/tourism industry o All other facilities available to industries


Augmenting the Brand Image of the State• A four-digit 24X7 Tourism Helpline number has been set up to provide instant

help to tourists. This service will be made available and run in Hindi, English and other prominent foreign languages.

• The number of Tourist Police will be increased and will be deployed at all prominent tourism spots.

• Ensuring presence of State Tourism in international and national tourism events/marts etc.

• Ensuring presence of State Tourism in international and national tourism roadshows.

• Conducting cleanliness drives at important tourist destinations with the help of schools, NGO’s, CBO’s, corporate etc .

• Special emphasis shall be given to the security of female tourists. Tourist police will be deployed at important tourist places.

• The image of the state shall be improved through extensive promotional and marketing activities

THE END

Thank YouMade By:

Naresh TanwarResearch Scholar (Tourism Management)

History of ArtFaculty of Arts

Banaras Hindu UniversityVaranasi