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Showing posts with label Tourism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tourism. Show all posts

n Uttar Pradesh, the security of the Taj Mahal would be increased further under state tourism department's project to develop the slums of Agra's nearby Tajganj area. Separate set of CCTV cameras will be installed and a buffer zone created to ensure the safety of the monument.

Addressing senior officials Chief Secretary Javed Usmani said that the project is extremely important not only for the state, but also for the country. He directed the officials to finalise the project's blueprint within 10 days.

The slums of Tajganj are often seen as an eyesore on the canvas of Taj. The project comprises all-round development of the Tajganj area.

It also involves construction of a world class approach road besides landscaping the nearby parks and riverfront.The UP government had floated tenders inviting companies to present a blueprint for the development of Tajganj in October.

The directorate of tourism has also prepared a detailed project report of an approach road and infrastructure in Tajganj. A team from National



he Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Prof K V Thomas inaugurated a Cruise Passenger Facilitation Centre at the Cochin Port today.

The Facilitation Centre, covering an area of 1500 square meter has dedicated Customs and Immigration Counters, X-ray scanning machines, metal detectors, rest rooms and prayer rooms for the convenience of cruise passengers.

The Centre has been set up at a cost of nearly six crore rupees, of which the union Ministry of Tourism has contributed about five crore rupees.

The Cochin Port has emerged as a major hub of cruise tourism in recent years, hosting 44 luxury cruise vefssels and nearly 58,000 tourists last year alone.



A total of 4.15 lakh foreign tourists visited India during September 2012 as against 4.02 lakh in the same period in 2011. The growth was 3.2 per cent. An official release issued in New Delhi said the foreign exchange earnings during September this year were 6652 crore rupees as against 5748 crore in the same period in 2011.



In Syria, parts of the 13th century Souk , the marketplace of Aleppo were set ablaze in the fighting between the Syrian troops and the rebel fighters. The medieval marketplace is located at the heart of Citadel which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Fires swept through parts of the 13th century market place in the heart of Citadel in Aleppo, a UNESCO World heritage site on Friday night. Local residents were struggling to contain the fire which gutted hundreds of wooden door shops in flames. The blaze was sparked off by the clashes between Syrian troops and rebels and destroyed the traditional shops which used to sell food, fabrics, perfume and spices for centuries. The medieval ara Souk or the market place , stretching over several kilometres around the13th century citadel, once bustled with shoppers and tourists.

But after intense shelling and fighting in the area for over a month, it stands almost closed as both the Syrian forces and the rebels are trying to bring the city in their control.The incident has been described as one of the worst blows to the commercial hub of Syria.


Going beyond domestic tourists, the West Bengal government has drawn up plans to attract foreign tourists during the upcoming Durga Puja festival.

According to state's Tourism Minister Rachhpal Singh, roadshows have already been organised in Bangalore and Mumbai, besides organising campaigns in USA and Canada. He said, while planning more such programmes in other major Indian cities, more campaigns are awaiting to draw attention of tourists from Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and neighbouring countries with the help of various central and foreign agencies.

Bengal's biggest festival Durga Puja, which will begin from October 21, is a four day melange of festive fun and devotion which brings everything else in the entire state to a standstill.


A mixture: "[a] building crowned with a mélange of antennae and satellite dishes" 

Uttar Pradesh government has said that it will provide 4 to 5 acres of land free of cost to each Buddhist Monastery at Kapilvastu in Siddharthnagar district for their development.
Addressing a three day long International Buddhist Conclave at Varanasi the Tourism Secretary of the state Manoj Kumar Singh said the State tourism department owns about 100 acres of land at Kapilvastu for the purpose.

Highlighting the nature of Buddhist sites Mr. Singh said that about 10 crore trees will be planted to recreate dense forest land scape at all Buddhists sites across the state within next 2 years. Underlining the need of road connectivity to all Buddhist sites located at Sarnath, Kushinagar, Kapilvastu, Shravasti and Kaushambi he said that all roads connecting Buddhist sites will be four lanes on priority basis. He said that an International Airport will be developed very soon with Public Private Partnership at Kushinagar and above 600 acres of land has been already acquired for the airport.

AIR correspondent reports that the Conclave comes to an end this afternoon after departure of delegates to Bodhgaya in Bihar. During the technical sessions participating States including Gujarat, Punjab, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh showcased their Buddhist sites and said several steps have been taken to facilitate the visiting tourists at the sites.



 ourism minister Subodh Kant Sahai today said that FDI in retail will benefit marginalised farmers. Replying to a query on allowing of FDI in multi brand retail on the sidelines of a function in New Delhi, he said, with this small farmers having just one acre or less land in the country will get a chance to do market-driven farming now. Defending the FDI decision, the Tourism minister said, it is a decision taken by the government and it would stand by it.

He also asked entrepreneurs to double their business to increase the jobs in the tourism sector. The minister maintained that India has a very lucrative market for foreign tourists and has attracted global players as an investment destination in hospitality industry.


 Puducherry is fast emerging as the most preferred Tourist destination in the country. In order to promote tourism , Government of Puducherry is focusing on promoting large scale projects through public private partnership.

AIR Correspondent reports, projects like Oceanarium, Trade and Convention Centers, Multiplex Complexes, Science City, Five Star Resort Hotels and Theme parks are being contemplated.

The state Tourism Minister Mr. Rajavelu during his recent visit to Malaysia and Singapore, addressed tour operators and dwelt on the tourism potential in the Union Territory. Road shows were also held to attract Indian diaspora in these countries. Puducherry, a former French colony, will soon join hands with Malacca, former Portuguese settlement in Malaysia, to share and exchange expertise and ideas to promote tourism. 

The center has also sanctioned 120 Crore Rupees for undertaking projects like Beach Tourism at Veerampattinum and Manapet and heritage spots in Puducherry and Villianur. The Union Territory offers capital subsidy of 1 Crore Rupees to Star Category Hotels and tourism related projects besides exemption from luxury tax. 
With the commercial Flight services set to start operation from Puducherry Airport within few months, the Union Territory will definitely be the most favoured tourist destination in the Country.


ndia and the Philippines have decided to enhance mutual cooperation in tourism sector. This was decided at the second meeting of the Joint Working Group on Tourism Cooperation held in New Delhi today. Both the
countries decided to identify areas for working together and exploring new opportunities in the sector, especially in the field of research and development, education and training and promotion and marketing.

The two sides also exchanged views for establishing mechanism to encourage exchange of information and data related to tourist arrivals and tourism resources to understand the dynamics of tourism sector in each others’ country. The two sides emphasised exchanging of visits of tour operators, media persons related to tourism and opinion makersthat important to promote tourism.

India today assured that it will take all measures to ensure safety and security of Sri Lankans in the country. It said the Centre was in close consultation with the concerned state governments regarding this. The assurance came in the wake of the travel advisory issued by Sri Lanka asking its citizen not to visit Tamil Nadu until further notice in the wake of some instances intimidation in that state. the act of intimidating a weaker person to make them do something
  1. धमकी (f)
  2.  भय दर्शन

An official spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs emphasised that people-to-people contacts are an
integral part of the close historical, cultural, ethnic and civilisational ties between the two countries.The spokesman said that Indian High Commission in Colombo has issued visas to nearly 200,000 Sri Lankan nationals to visit India last year, while approximately 175,000 Indian tourists visited Sri Lanka in 2011.

 The Uttar Pradesh government is planning to construct a ropeway in Barsana town in a bid to tap the tourism potential of Mathura. A rope way from Barsana to the hillock Bramhachal in Mathura, on which the famous Sri Ji temple situates, is on the cards, local tourist officer said. The consultant has already completed the feasibility report of the project, he said.

Talking to AIR Lucknow correspondent, DG Tourism, Uttar Pradesh, Mr Manoj Singh said that talks are in final stages with Pawan Hans Ltd to provide helicopter services to Vrindavan and Mathura. A helipad has also been constructed in Vrindavan to facilitate Helicopter services from Delhi and other places. He further informed that ropeway construction in Chitrakoot and Vindhyachal in Mirzapur has also been planned to facilitate pilgrims of the two famous religious places for which work will be started soon.



 The Chamber of Indian Industries,CII, has stressed on the need to have a monitoring mechanism at the level of Prime Minister's Office(PMO)for the tourism sector in order to
drive the industry's growth on a priority basis.

The CII National Committee on Tourism, which represents different sectors of the tourism industry, during its deliberations in Agra also stated that India needs to target new markets including China and Russia and further develop traditional markets of Germany, France, Italy and the UK.

It said that will ensure that this industry's growth is driven on a priority basis by central and state government departments.

In a statement CII said the suggestion, along with a host of other ideas, will be submitted to the inter ministerial co-ordination committee for tourism sector under the chairmanship of the principal secretary to the Prime Minster, as a white paper .


West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated a museum on Rabindranath Tagore on his death anniversary today. The museum named as ‘Rabindra Tirtha’ has come up on five acres of land at New Town in Kolkata with an investment of Rs 20 crore.

Speaking on the occasion, Banerjee also announced setting up of ‘Nezrul Tirtha’ in the name of poet of Nazrul Islam. She said the Government had also decided to set up an international convention centre on the lines of Vigyan Bhavan in Delhi and an eco-tourism park in the New Town.

AIR Kolkata correspondent reports that a number of programmes were organised through the state to pay homage to Gurudev Tagore on his death anniversary. In Santineketan


The Ministry of tourism today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Railway ministry for implementing Clean India campaign in the Indian Railways to promote the country as a preferred tourist destination overseas. The MoU was signed in the presence of Tourism Minister Subodh Kant Sahay and Railway Minister Mukul Roy.

Speaking on the ocassion, Union Minister Subodh Kant Sahay said, convergence with Railways is very important for developing tourism within the country and abroad. He said, the Indian Railways runs 12000 trains every day moving 20 million people and better facilities and cleanliness in Railway Stations and trains will go a long way in boosting tourism. He said, 24 stations have been identified to be jointly developed by the Railways and Tourism ministry. He also said, efforts are on to connect the Golden triangle tourist circuit of Delhi-Jaipur- Agra through Sathabdi trains.

Railway minister Mukul Roy said, the Railways will jointly work with the Tourism ministry for ensuring greater cleanliness at Railway premises and trains. He also said, the good future of railways largely depends on tourism.
Messages on Cleanliness as part of the Clean India campaign will also be printed on Railway tickets to spread awareness.

ujarat has registered 30 percent rise in tourist inflow during the last year. According to State Tourism Minister Jaynarayan Vyas, tourist arrivals in the state has jumped from 1.70 crore to 2.23 crore in 2011-12. Mr.Vyas claimed that due to concerted efforts and aggressive marketing, the state has emerged a top tourist destination in the country during last couple of years. State Government has repositioned local festivals and fairs as major tourism-promoting events. Festivals including Navratri, kite festival, Saputara monsoon festival and Kutch desert festival have been proved as a major booster for tourism infrastructure development in the state with impressive growth in number of tourist arrivals. AIR Bhuj Correspondent reports that Success of Kutch desert festival, the Government is now focusing on Saputara monsoon festival to be held during next month.

Union Tourism Minister Subodh Kant Sahai will launch a Pilot Project under Clean India Campaign at Qutab Minar in New Delhi this evening. The project aims to sensitize young people about environment cleanliness. Under the project, all issues including providing drinking water facilities, renovation of toilets, proper signages in and around the premises of the heritage site, are taken care of.
Our Correspondent reports that Clean India Campaign is a comprehensive strategy to ensure an acceptable level of cleanliness and hygiene practices at tourist destinations for an inclusive and sustainable development of tourism. The campaign aims to increase tourist arrivals, improve quality services and provide a hygienic environment in and around tourist destinations across the country. In the first phase of campaign, 36 monuments have been identified by the Ministry of Tourism and Archaeological Survey of India.

The Odisha Government has decided to develop Sanctuary Tourism in Bhitarkanika, Satkosia and Similipal Sanctuaries and National Parks. It is also planning to develop eco-tourism infrastructure in potential tourist places like Saptasajya, Pradhanpat, Khandadhar and Nandinia. 

The Tourism and Foreste Department of the state government has chalked out a joint plan to make a facelift of these tourist spots before the ensuing tourist season.

AIR correspondent reports,realizing the huge potential of tourism in Bhitarkanika, Satkosia and Similipal Sanctuaries and National Parks, the Odisha Government has decided develop these areas for more revenue earning. 

As per the decisions, natural trail, FRP cottages and toilets will be made in Kulibhanjadia and Jayanagar in Bhitarkanika. The Mangrove Forest Division, Rajnagar will implement it. The Pampasar, Labangi, Tikarpada, Chhamundia and Baliput will be having interpretation Centres and see more amenities for eco visitors. 

In Pradhanpat area under Deogarh Forest Division, the interpretation centre will be implemented by renovating the existing old structure. In Khandhara Water Fall under Bonai Forest Division in Sundergarh district, one crore rupees will be spent to develop the eco infrastructure. 

In Saptasjya under Dhenkanal Forest Division and Rajhans under Chilika Wildlife Division, facilities will be upgraded and floating jetty will be provided for tourists. The Principal Secretary to Tourism Department of Government of Odisha and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) of Odisha will oversee the preparedness for the coming tourism season by improving the system to get permission for the visitors in the way of packages
so that the tour operators and visitors can have hassle free visit. 

Brochures and leaflets for the sanctuaries and National Parks will be made and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) of Odisha and Tourism Department will facilitate booking for the visitors. These will boost the facilities for the Sanctuary Tourism visitors for the State. 

Further it was decided to share the components of prepared eco-tourism policy so that the draft policy prepared by F&E Department can be fine tuned. The alliances between two Departments and common strategy will boost the economic prospect of the stake holders of these areas.

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy says sea plane service, which is expected to provide further boost to the tourism sector in the state, will be introduced in September.


Laying the foundation of the office and boat terminal of the Goshree Islands Development Authority in Kochi Saturday morning, Mr. Chandy said the inaugural service will coincide with the Emerging Kerala Global Connect 2012, to be held in Kochi from September 12 to 14.


The Union Minister of State for Tourism Sultan Ahamed has said centre is looking at the issue of recent hike in airfares at the Delhi International Airport. He told reporters in Dubai that the matter has been taken up with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Prime Minister’s Office.

The Minister told that even the domestic tourists are also suffering the pinch of the recent hike in airfares. The Minister said that the Government has taken up several measures to promote tourism in the country. 100 percent Foreign Direct Investment has been allowed in tourism and hotel industry and new tourism destinations have been identified keeping the domestic tourists in mind.

Responding to a question that the persons visiting the country on tourist visa have to wait for two months after their return for another visit, he said efforts are on to resolve the issue. Mr. Sultan Ahmad was talking to mediapersons after inaugurating the India Pavillion at Arabian Travel mart in Dubai.

The India Pavillion at the Arabian Travel market has been set up by the India, Tourism in Dubai to showcase the vast tourism potential of India. Around 50 participants representing the tourism diversity of Heritage, Nature, Culture and Wellness Tourism from India are taking part in the four day event.

The focus this year is on showcasing India as the tourist’s destination for luxury, wildlife and well ness or medical tourism. The Indian exhibitors include tour operators, travel agents, hotels, airlines, hospitality industry etc. State Tourism departments of J&K, and Kerala are also branding their tourism hotspots.

It is expected the meet will add on to the foreign tourist arrivals from the gulf countries and the West Asia region to India. In the year 2011-12 total number of foreign tourists arriving in India was 6.7 million and the Government has set a target of 10 million foreign tourist’s arrival over the next three years.


Minister of Tourism Lamia Assi underlined the importance of the Indian delegation's visit to Syria to shape a true image about what is taking place in the country and the contribution of conveying the truth to the Indian public opinion. 

During her meeting with the Indian delegation, including cultural and media figures and former diplomats on Wednesday, the Minister pointed out that the Syrian people are aware of the volume of the conspiracy, pointing out that they will get over the crisis thanks to their unity.

Members of the delegation pointed out to the historical, tourist and cultural components of Syria, underlining that they will convey the truth about what is going on objectively and sincerely. 

Ajet Sahi, a journalist from United Press International, said that meeting Syrian officials contributed to supplying him with very important information, adding that he formerly depended on western and eastern media facilities to shape a clear view of the reality of the situation because he knows that each side tackle the news from their point of view.

For his part, Bhim Sing, Editor in-Chief of Voices of Millions Newspaper that the reason for his visit to Syria is to express his supportive stance to Syria, which also backs the Arab causes. 

The Ministry's invitation to the Indian delegation comes in the framework of heading towards the markets of Russia, China, India, Malaysia and Iran, as it made several activities in these markets in order to promote for Syria as a tourist attraction. 

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