NEW DELHI: Seeking the corporate sector’s support in its Clean India program, the Tourism Ministry has said an aggressive campaign will be carried out to maintain cleanliness and hygiene around tourist places across the country.
“We will take up Clean India campaign in an aggressive way all over the country and I am seeking the support of corporate sector for it,” Tourism Minister K Chiranjeevi said here while announcing the winners of National Tourism Awards for 2011-12.
“I met senior officials of ONGC who have agreed to take up the cleanliness work at six monuments including Konark and Sanchi,” he said, adding, “All Buddhist sites in the country will also be part of the campaign as these spots draw a considerable number of foreign tourists.”
Asked about the extension of Visa on Arrival (VoA) facility to more countries including Germany, Chiranjeevi said, “We have sought VoA facilities for 16 more countries and the matter is under active consideration of Home Ministry.
“Our aim is to attract one per cent of the total arrivals of world tourists. Currently it is 0.6 per cent which is not acceptable.”
He, however, said the current growth rate of 5.4 per cent in the tourist sector despite the recession in world over is not bad.
“We want the 7 per cent growth rate in the sector but at the moment the world growth is 3.9 per cent only. So keeping that inmind our growth is certainly not bad,” Chiranjeevi said.
Asked whether the hanging of Afzal Guru has had any adverse effect on tourist arrivals in Kashmir, Tourism Secretary Pervez Dewan said, “There are no cancellations and things are on same level.”
Chiranjeevi said the recent blasts in Hyderabad will have no impact on the UNWTO conference to be held in the city next month.
On the question of misuse of Incredible India logo by unscrupulous elements, Chiranjeevi said enforcement is a state subject and we have to prevent its misuse with the help of state authorities.
The National Tourism Award function will be held on March 18 here. Chiranjeevi said there will be 86 awards in 36 categories.
Andhra Pradesh has been selected for best state for comprehensive development of tourism, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation for best civic management, Apollo hospital in Hyderabad for best medical tourism facility and Hyderabad airport as best airport in the country. -PTI
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