Dec 4: “Tourist officers have been appointed in 20 embassies last month. This is to promote India as a tourist destination as well as facilitate tourists from those countries that have highest foot fall in India. Decision has been taken to open tourism sub division offices in embassies of all countries from where tourists visit India. Tourism Ministry is working in close coordination with Health Department, Civil aviation Department, Home Affairs and External Affairs Department to help foreign tourists who are visiting India.” Union Minister of Tourism, Culture and Development of North Eastern Region of India, Shri G Kishan Reddy said this while addressing a press conference in Goa today.
Tourism Initiatives in Goa
“As Goa celebrates 60 years of its liberation, government is making every effort to develop Tourism infrastructure in the state. Goa is one of the prominent states in the tourism sector where most of the world heritage sites are there. Hence the Ministry has decided to pay special attention to Goa to promote Tourism.” He went on to say that maximum number of tourists be it domestic or international tourists visit Goa frequently and how tourism as a sector has major influence on the state.
Shri Reddy also assured that his ministry will work in coordination with the State government of Goa, Goa Tourism Development Corporation as well as Goa tourism to ensure maximum benefits for state through tourism.
Tourism Ministry is working in synergy with the Rail Ministry, Civil Aviation and Shipping Ministry to encourage cruise tourism under Sagar Mala. “Cruise tourism will be developed on a mission mode which will greatly benefit Goa,” he said. He also informed that there are plans to connect Chennai, Vizag and Andaman with Goa through cruise tourism.
He also spoke about the possibilities and promotion of adventure tourism and eco-tourism.
75 Top Destinations in India to be developed on International Standards
Shri Reddy also stated that the major portion of the Ministry’s expenditure goes into the development of quality infrastructure relating to tourism at various tourist destinations and circuits spread around the States/UTs. He also mentioned that to commemorate 75 years of India’s Independence, top 75 destinations in the country are to be developed on international standards. “All departments have given their comments on the same. The work will begin in full swing to develop the 75 destinations on international standards, once the Cabinet approves it,” he added.
Shri Reddy insisted that getting completely vaccinated with two doses of vaccines is very crucial for the steady growth of tourism sector. “Those who are getting vaccination should get completely vaccinated with two doses of COVID-19 vaccine. This will help to revive the tourism sector at a much greater speed. States/UTs are requested to ensure maximum Vaccination of beneficiaries in cities as well as villages,” he stated. The Minister assured that there will not be any issue in vaccination as the Centre is well prepared to supply adequate vaccines to the State Governments as per their requirements.
Shri Reddy also cautioned the citizens to follow COVID protocols as tourism is seeing steady growth in the country after the first year of the Pandemic. “Domestic tourism is seeing and upward trend in the country. Currently since a third wave of COVID19 is being suspected across the world, I request people to strictly adhere to COVID protocol during their visits to tourist destinations,” he stated.
The Minister stated that the Central Government is working together with the State Governments to ensure implementation of COVID-19 protocols. He went on to say that Government of India is closely watching every recent development and COVID situation in the country as well as across the world. “I strongly believe we can control a third wave through our efforts,” he said.
Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Tourism Shri Shripad Y. Naik spoke about the developmental activities that are completed and are being carried out in Goa. Shri Naik mentioned that the Indian Oil Foundation will be developing various heritage monuments and spiritual places through the NCF.
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