New Delhi. The Tourism and Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Minister Kumari Selja has said that her Ministry has identified 29 mega destinations/circuits on the basis of footfalls and their future potential for tourism projects. Addressing a symposium on “Incredible India: Managing Destinations” here today she said, out of 29, tourism projects for 21 of these destinations and circuits have already been sanctioned. The Minister said, the development plans of these destinations/circuits are being synergised with the infrastructure schemes and plans of other related ministries including the ministries of Urban Development, Civil Aviation, Road Transport and Highways, Railways and Food Processing Industries. She said, these efforts are expected to deliver better connectivity to all major tourist destinations and world heritage sites. Kumari Selja said, development of some of these destinations is being planned as ‘slum-free’ under the Rajiv Awas Yojana to be operated by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation.

Kumari Selja said, a major exercise has been undertaken to improve tourism infrastructure in coordination with state governments and during the first two years of the 11th Plan, tourism infrastructure development projects worth Rs. 1553.07 crores were sanctioned for 514 tourism projects covering all the states for according a world class experience to the tourists. She said, the scheme of promoting Public Private Partnership for large revenue generating tourism projects have been finalized. A new scheme of Viability Gap Funding for assisting private sector driven tourism projects has also been launched.

She said, the government recognizes the concept that the true potential of the tourism lies in responsible practices on both the demand and supply sides of the tourism chain, enabling an effective response to climate change. This is closely interlinked with inclusive growth through sustainable community participation. The Minister said, this sustainable tourism route has been adopted by the Ministry of Tourism in the innovative rural tourism project. This innovative project positions India’s rural ways of life as a unique visitor experience in low impact setting. She said, 158 rural tourism sites have been identified till date and Ministry of Tourism has partnered with UNDP for projects in 36 sites with UNDP providing the financial assistance for capacity building.

The Minister said, the innovations in the tourism industry are the key for the success of a destination. It helps withstand competition in the global tourism market. Recognizing this, her Ministry enterprises to develop new and niche products such as Caravan Tourism, Cruise Tourism, Wellness & Medical Tourism, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions etc. to cater to the varied interests of the discerning traveler. She said, objective is to offer real experiences to travelers with minimization of the adverse impact on the socio-environmental structures.