The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture & Tourism Shripad Yesso Naik has said that development and promotion of tourism is primarily the responsibility of the respective State Governments. However, the Ministry of Tourism provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to various State Governments for various tourism projects prioritised every year in consultation with them subject to availability of funds, inter-se priority and adherence to the scheme guidelines.
In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha Naik said 10 per cent of the plan allocation of the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India is earmarked for North Eastern States.
Provision of complimentary space to the North Eastern states in India Pavilions set up at major international travel fairs and exhibitions; Government of India employees are allowed to convert their home town LTC to all India LTC for visiting NE Region. The scheme to visit NE Region was valid up to 30 April 2014; and 100 per cent central financial assistance is provided for organising fairs and festivals to the North Eastern States are among the initiatives taken by the Government to promote tourism in North Eastern Region.
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 undertakes special campaigns about the NE Region on TV channels to promote tourism in the regions.
An annual International Tourism Mart (ITM) is organised with the objective of showcasing the largely untapped tourism potential of North East region in the domestic and international markets. In addition, a series of promotional activities are undertaken in important and potential tourist generating markets overseas through the Indiatourism Offices abroad with the objective of showcasing India’s tourism potential.
These promotional activities include participation in travel fairs and exhibitions; organising road shows, Know India seminars and workshops; organising and supporting Indian food and cultural festivals; publication of brochures; offering joint advertising and brochure support and inviting media personalities, tour operators and opinion makers to visit the country under the Hospitality Programmes of the Ministry.
