Four-fold hike in the allotment for tourism in 12th Plan

The working group on Tourism set up by the planning commission has recommended a four-fold increase in the allotment of funds for tourism during the 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2016).

The allocation for the high-potential sector will now bw Rs21,500 crore, up from Rs5,156 crore during 11th Plan,union minister for tourism Subodh Kant Sahai said while addressing a meeting of the consultative committee of oarliament attached to the tourism ministry inNEw Delhi last evening.

A substantial proportion of the estimated outlay is proposed to be allocated for improvement of tourism infrastructure, human resource development, capacity building and promotion and publicity.

Sahai said that the Planning Commission has projected a growth rate of 12 per cent for the tourism sector during 12th Plan.

He said an increase of at least 1 per cent in the country's share in International tourist arrival by the end of 12th Plan has also been projected, requiring an annual growth of 12.38 per cent during the 12th Plan.

The number of foreign tourists arrivals in the country and foreign visitors by the end of the 12th Plan is estimated to rise to 11.24 million and 35.96 million respectively, Sahai said, adding that domestic tourists by the end of 12th Plan are expected to be 1,451.46 million.