Dimapur, July 26: In spite of insurgent activities, there has been a slight increase in the number of domestic and foreign tourists visiting Nagaland. In 2014, the state hosted a little over 58, 000 domestic visitors and more than 2,000 foreign tourists. In 2015, the number experienced a slight increase by several thousands, according to data from the central government.
On July 25, Dr. Mahesh Sharma, minister of state (in-charge) for Tourism and Culture told the Lok Sabha that although “terrorist activities have, to some extent, affected tourism locally, they have not had an impact on overall tourism in the country.”
The number of Domestic Tourists Visits (DTVs) and Foreign Tourist Visits (FTVs) to different states and union territories in the country during 2015 registered a positive growth of 11.6% and 4.4%, respectively, he said.
Development and promotion of tourism sector is the responsibility of the state governments and union territory administrations, he said. “The Ministry of Tourism provides Central Financial Assistance, from various plan schemes, to them for tourism projects subject to adherence of existing scheme guidelines, availability of funds and liquidation of utilization certificates for funds released earlier,” he said.
In addition, the government has undertaken following special measures for development and promotion of tourism in Jammu & Kashmir and the north east tegion. They are:
i. Provision of complimentary space to the State of Jammu & Kashmir and North Eastern States in India Pavilions set up at major International Travel Fairs and Exhibitions.
ii. Government of India employees are allowed to convert their home town LTC to all India LTC for visiting Jammu & Kashmir and North East Region.
iii. 100% central financial assistance for organizing fairs & festivals is allowed to the North Eastern States and the State of Jammu & Kashmir.
iv. Ministry of Tourism, 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, including the lesser known destinations which have tourism potential. The Ministry of Tourism has been releasing special campaigns on Jammu & Kashmir and North East Region on Doordarshan and Private TV channels to promote tourism in the regions.
Centre sanctions 25 projects worth Rs. 2048 Crore to 21 states / UTs under Swadesh Darshan scheme
The Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned 25 projects under the Swadesh Darshan scheme worth Rs. 2048 Crore so far to 21 States and Union Territories since its launch of in January 2015.
These states and union territories include Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Kerala, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Tripura.
(a) For North Eastern States, the Ministry has sanctioned 9 projects worth Rs. 821 Crores covering all the 8 states.
(b) For Tribal areas, the Ministry has sanctioned 3 projects for Rs. 282 Crores to the SG of Nagaland, Chhattisgarh and Telangana.
(c) For Buddhist Circuit, the Ministry has sanctioned 2 projects worth Rs. 108.11 Crore to the SG of Bihar and Madhya Pradesh.
The Ministry of Tourism has launched the Swadesh Darshan Scheme in 2014-15 with an objective to develop theme based tourist circuits in the country on the principles of high tourist value, competitiveness and sustainability in an integrated manner by synergizing efforts to focus on needs and concerns of all stakeholders to enrich tourist experience and enhance employment opportunities.
Under this scheme, 13 Thematic Circuits have been identified, for development 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, Ramayana Circuit and Heritage Circuit.
The aims of the scheme are:
• To position tourism as a major engine of economic growth and job creation
• To promote India as a global brand and a world class tourist destination
• To develop world class infrastructure in varied thematic circuits and pilgrimage sites;
• To showcase full potential of wide range of unique products
• To provide complete tourism experience by enhancing tourist attractions;
• Responsible Tourism Initiative- active involvement of local communities, pro-poor approach in a sustainable and inclusive manner
The work on all sanctioned projects during 2014-2015 and 2016-2017 has started and ministry is monitoring the work rigorously, the minister said.
