Government sets up inter-ministerial panel for tourism promotion

The government has set up an inter-ministerial coordination committee for the tourism sector under the chairmanship of the principal secretary to the prime minister, Pulok Chatterji, for resolving inter-ministerial and industry issues for the promotion of tourism. 

Addressing the first meeting of the committee comprising secretaries of the various departments, Chatterji called for a pro-development focus to tourism so that it is both pro-poor and employment-oriented.

He emphasised the need to give tourism a major fillip during the 12th Plan so as to more than double the number of foreign tourists arriving in India and further encourage domestic tourism.

The meeting decided to set up a sub-committee consisting of member secretary, Planning Commission, culture secretary, secretary (environment and forests), secretary (rural development) and secretary (tourism) to identify the potential of tourism in rural, eco and cultural sectors in the country and submit its report within four weeks.

MOEF would finalise its eco-tourism policy at the earliest possible, duly analysing the feedback it has received from different quarters. It will also make sure that all local stakeholders are involved in promoting eco-tourism.

Ministry of culture will adopt a pro-active tourism policy by promoting museums, cultural and heritage sites, besides monuments.  There would be close interface between MOC and MOT.
The home ministry will take steps to facilitate extension of tourist visa on arrival to GOA, Hyderabad, Kochi and Bengaluru airports within next one year.