New Delhi (NVI): The Union Government informed the Lok Sabha here today that it has identified some world class iconic tourist destinations in India to attract foreign and domestic tourists.
In a written reply to the house, Minister of State for Culture and Tourism Prahlad Singh Patel said that pursuant to the Budget Announcements of 2018-19 Ministry of Tourism has identified 17 sites in 12 clusters across the country for development as iconic tourist sites.
The Ministry will be developing these sites in a holistic manner with a focus on issues concerning connectivity to the destination, better facilities and experience for the tourists at the site.
Besides, the Ministry will also ensure skill development and involvement of the local communities, undertake activities like promotion, branding and bringing private investment.
The site that will be developed under the initiative are Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri in Uttar Pradesh, Ajanta and Ellora in Maharashtra, Humayun’s Tomb, Red Fort and Qutub Minar in Delhi, Colva in Goa, Amer Fort in Rajasthan, Somnath and Dholavira in Gujarat, Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh, Hampi in Karnataka, Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu, Kaziranga in Assam, Kumarakom in Kerala and Mahabodhi Temple in Bihar.
The development of iconic tourist sites scheme is awaiting the approval by the Ministry of Finance, Minister added.
