The government’s expenditure and allocation on tourism promotion has not been up to the mark, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture has said.

The committee, in its report on Demand for Grants (2015-16) for Ministry of Tourism, said “even though the Planning Commission has made a very ambitious plan for tourism promotion in the country during the 12th Plan period by making an outlay of ₹15,190 crore, the sanctions made during the first three years was ₹2,930 crore only, which is just 19.28 per cent of the total outlay.”

If you look at the actual spending, it stands at ₹2,566.48 crore which is 16.89 per cent of the 12{+t}{+h} Plan outlay, it said, adding that if the government does not make adequate allocation for the sector it may lead to decline of not only the tourism industry, but also associated sectors.

With respect to the National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD), it suggested that more pilgrim spots, such as Madurai, Sabarimala, Tirupati, should be included in the second phase.

More campaigns needed Apart from this, TV and print campaigns should be spread throughout the year. Also, the government should approach major corporates to utilise their CSR spends to adopt tourist spots/monuments under the ‘Clean India campaign’.

The panel also spelt out the need to undertake a study on tourist arrivals vis-à-vis spending abroad for publicity and market development. On the recent hike in service tax to 14 per cent, the committee said this will adversely impact the hotel industry and the Ministry should take up the matter with the Finance Ministry to see if some sort of relief can be given.

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