Ministry of Tourism drafted a National Tourism Policy based on various recent developments. The Policy aims at improving framework conditions for tourism development in the country, supporting tourism industries, strengthening tourism support functions and developing tourism sub sectors. The Key Strategic Objectives of the Policy are:

i.          To enhance the contribution of tourism in Indian economy by increasing the visitation, stay and spend and making India a year-round tourist destination,

ii.         To create jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities in tourism sector and ensure supply of skilled work force,

iii.        To enhance the competitiveness of tourism sector and attract private sector investment,

iv.        To preserve and enhance the cultural and natural resources of the country,

v.         To ensure sustainable, responsible and inclusive development of tourism in the country.

The policy provides for a National Tourism Advisory Council (NTAC) chaired by the Union Minister for Tourism and comprising of all the Tourism Ministers of the States, Representatives of the relevant Line Ministries and Industry Stakeholder to provide overall vision, guidance and direction to the Development of Tourism Sector in the country.

The Policy follows a whole of Government approach amongst the line Ministries of Central Government as well as between Central and State Governments to address the major and multifaceted challenges faced by the tourism industry and to develop tourism sector in the country.

This information was given by Union Minister for Culture, Tourism and DoNER Shri G. Kishan Reddy in Rajya Sabha today.

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