Tag Archives: Ministry of Tourism

The government of Goa has set an aim to have 1,000 certified tourist guides in the state within the next two years after Goa tourism department adopted the ‘Incredible India Tourist Facilitator (IITF) (basic) certification programme of Ministry of Tourism. The plan is to enhance the travel experience of tourists in Goa through guided tours, and hence the state government has planned to train Goan youth and provide tourist guide certification.

G Kamala Vardhan Rao, Director General, Ministry of Tourism, has said that the 3 Ts, as far as Tourism is concerned – Trade, Technology & Tourism, the mantra for the 5 Trillion economy. Speaking at the International Cruise Conference 2022, also said, “The promotion of coastal tourism through beach tourism, lighthouse tourism, and cruise tourism will help communities.”

Ministry of Tourism delegation, including Rupinder Brar, ADG, Tourism met international tour operators and travel agents on the 3rd day of ATM in Dubai, where they discussed matters in relation to e-visa facilities, single window immigration clearance, connectivity, way side amenities etc. Brar also gave a detailed presentation on India’s tourism offerings including niche products that the country offers to the international visitors. In line with Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi ji’s appeal for ‘Chalo India’ the focus was also given on the role of Indian diaspora for the publicity and promotion of Indian tourism.

Ministry of Tourism has kicked off its one-month long virtual roadshow, titled Reconnect 2022, starting with Oman. At the same time, IATO has written to the Prime Minister to help the tourism industry for revival of inbound tourism. In the letter, Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO has suggested that MOT should participate in all major international travel marts/fairs along with industry stake holders and conduct Physical B2B meeting during structured roadshows along with Indiatourism offices and embassies.

Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Japan, a book launch of Novella titled ‘Healing Strings’ by Manmohan Sadana, Ex-Joint Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India was done recently. The chief guest of the occasion was Koji Yoshida, Counsellor, Embassy of Japan, New Delhi, who launched the book along with other prominent dignitaries. Talking of his book, Sadana, said, “My book will serve as a great tool to build a stronger connection and also to promote tourism between different countries.”

Ministry of Tourism has released a digital booklet of 75 destinations to rediscover India. The book features destinations ranging from spiritual centres to cultural hubs, from royal palaces to ancient cities, these sites reflect our rich culture and heritage. The booklet comes in line with the celebration of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, through which travellers can explore 75 incredible sites in India.

In order to create a robust framework and synergy amongst the Central Government Ministries, State Governments, and Private Sector for promoting India as a Medical and Wellness Tourism destination, the Ministry of Tourism has formulated a National Strategy and Roadmap for Medical and Wellness Tourism. To provide a dedicated institutional framework to take forward the cause of promotion of Medical Tourism, the Ministry of Tourism has constituted a National Medical and Wellness Tourism Board with the Minister of Tourism as its Chairman. As part of its ongoing activities, the Ministry of Tourism, releases global print, electronic and online media campaigns in important and potential markets overseas, under the ‘Incredible India’ brand line, to promote various tourism destinations and products of the country. Digital promotions are also regularly undertaken through the Social Media accounts of the Ministry on different themes including the theme of Medical Tourism. 

The development of Tourism is primarily the responsibility of the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations. However, the Ministry of Tourism under its Swadesh Darshan scheme since its inception has sanctioned 76 projects under 13thematic circuits including ‘Buddhist theme’ for the development of tourism infrastructure in the country. The projects under the scheme were identified for development in consultation with the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations and sanctioned subject to availability of funds, submission of suitable detailed project reports, adherence to scheme guidelines and utilization of funds released earlier, etc. 

The Ministry of Tourism has invited final comments from the stakeholders on draft report for setting up of National Digital Tourism Mission. The draft report has also been published on website for suggestions and feedback from public. MOT had constituted an inter-ministerial task force for National Digital Tourism Mission on 23rd July, 2021. The Task Force has prepared a draft report on proposed National Digital Tourism Mission, which inter-alia lays down domain and technology principles, standards, digital stack, governance structure and plan for implementation of the envisaged National Digital Tourism Mission.

G Kamala Vardhana Rao, Director General, Ministry of Tourism, has said that they are looking at promoting river cruising across the country under the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebration and will be talking about the various tourism opportunities that can be developed around it. He was speaking at the BBC and PATA India webinar titled  ‘New Ways of Marketing to Recharge Tourism’.