village Tourism

Economic Times Bangalore;

:Mar 7, 2006;

:Business & IT;

:6

Village tourism initiative goes full steam ahead

Sreeradha D Basu KOLKATA



    THE FM’s budgetary allocation of Rs 830 crore for tourism, up just 5.6% from last year, may have thrown cold water on industry expectations. But the Ministry of Tourism seems to be relatively unfazed. It is, in fact, going ahead full steam with its initiatives to identify the “15 tourist destinations and 50 villages” mentioned for development in the Union Budget.

    Speaking to ET, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Mr Amitabh Kant said, “Right now we are in the midst of talks with state governments to narrow down the 15 destinations that will make the most difference to Indian tourism. We expect to finalise these places within the next 15-20 days.” The Bodhgaya-Rajgir-Nalanda belt in Bihar, among the hotspots for Buddhism, is expected to be among them. So also are Hampi in Karnataka and Maharashtra’s famous Elephanta Caves.

    “Our goal is to create unique destinations where visiting tourists can get a world-class experience. Setting up good civic amenities and ticketing facilities will be among the measures we’ll take up,” said Mr Kant. Endogenous tourism will also get a leg-up thanks to the Tourism Ministry’s efforts. This concept, which revolves around the culture and craft of a location, while seeking to create livelihood opportunities for the local community, will be promoted in 50 villages “with core competency in handicrafts, handlooms and culture”.

    Again, these villages are in the process of being identified. But among those likely to be selected are Pochampalli and Kuchipudi in Andhra Pradesh and Raghurajpur in Orissa, well known for their indigenous arts and crafts According to Mr Kant, most of the traditional crafts of these villages are bought by middlemen, who subsequently sell them in urban areas.

    “We are looking to develop these places as destinations in themselves,” he said. “We want both domestic and international visitors to experience the concept first-hand — not just by staying with and buying goods from the villagers but by learning the tricks of their trade as well,” explained Mr Kant.