INDIA: Promotion Of Remote Villages,Small And Medium Towns As Tourist Spots

Under the new Scheme Swadesh Darshan for Integrated Development of Tourist Circuits around Specific Themes, twelve Thematic Circuits namely North-East India Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Desert Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Eco Circuit, Wildlife Circuit, Rural Circuit, Spiritual Circuit and Ramayana Circuit have been identified for development, which among other things, cover remote villages and small and medium towns.

The Ministry of Tourism (MOT) promotes India as a holistic destination and as part of its on-going activities, annually releases print, electronic, online and outdoor media campaigns in the international and domestic markets, under the Incredible India brand-line, to promote various tourism destinations and products of the country. MOT also promotes the tourism destinations and products through its websites and publicity and promotional material produced by it from time to time.

In addition, a series of promotional activities are undertaken in important and potential tourist generating markets abroad through overseas India tourism offices with the objective of showcasing Indias tourism potential and increasing tourist arrivals to the country. The objectives are met through an integrated marketing and promotional strategy and a synergized campaign in association with the Travel Trade, State Governments and Indian Missions overseas.

These include participation in travel fairs and exhibitions; organising road shows, Know India seminars & workshops; organizing and supporting Indian food and cultural festivals; publication of brochures; offering joint advertising and brochure support and inviting media personalities, tour operators and opinion makers to visit the country under the Hospitality Programme of the Ministry.

This information was given by Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent Charge) and Minister of State for Civil Aviation Dr. Mahesh Sharma in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today