Question : DOMESTIC TOURISM



(a) whether the Government has classified tier – II and tier- III cities in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof, State – wise including Haryana;

(c) whether the Government proposes to formulate any new policy on domestic tourism; and

(d) if so, the steps taken by the Government in this regard so far and parameters adopted therefor alongwith the funds released during each year of the last three years?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM (SHRI SULTAN AHMED)

(a) and (b): In Population Census of India urban population is classified by population size and not by tier i.e Class I (Population 100,000 & above), Class II ( Population 50,000 – 99,999), Class III (Population 20,000 – 49,999), Class IV (Population 10,000 – 19,999), Class V (Population 5,000 – 9,999) and Class VI (Population Less than 5,000).

(c) and (d): The current Tourism Policy of the Government was formulated in 2002 after detailed interactions with the industry associations, concerned Ministries & Departments of Central Government, State Governments and other stakeholders. As per this policy, domestic tourism is to be major driver of tourism growth in India.

The Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India undertakes various activities for promotion of Domestic Tourism. These activities are mainly aimed at increasing awareness about tourism destinations and products, promoting tourism within the country with focus on areas like the North East Region and Jammu & Kashmir and promoting events having tourism potential. Social Awareness Campaigns are also launched to sensitise stakeholders and the general public about issues pertaining to hygiene and cleanliness as well as the importance of good behaviour towards tourists.

The Ministry of Tourism also provides Central Financial Assistance to States / Union Territories for organising Fairs, Festivals and Tourism related events.

The Domestic Tourist Visits (DTVs) in India increased from 563 million in 2008 to 740 million in 2010.