Revised Guidelines to promote Domestic Tourism
- Tourism Ministry has recently revised Guidelines for Scheme of Market Development Assistance (MDA) to promote Domestic Tourism
- The Ministry is planning targeted programmes in order to boost domestic tourism throughout the country.
Steps taken by Ministry to promote Domestic Tourism:
- Dekho Apna Desh Webinars.
- Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat: various activities like road shows, Fam trips, B2B Meetings, Quiz programmes, webinars between paired States / UTs to promote the scheme.
- Aerial photography of key cities and cultural assets (Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Udupi, Aurangabad, Iconic Tourist sites) across the country during lockdown.
- Regular consultations with industry stakeholders on issues related to opening up of Tourism sector.
- Handling of tourists, protocols of safety and security, services standards etc.
- Domestic Tourism Promotion Campaign through Webinars, social media and other digital platforms.
- Dekho Apna Desh Campaign: The main focus is to rebuild the trust of the domestic & international travellers in terms of India being safe destination to travel in post Covid Scenario.
Revised Guidelines for Scheme of Market Development Assistance (MDA)
- Revision to enhance the scope and reach of the scheme.
- As per the guidelines, the stakeholders are provided with financial support for the promotion of Domestic Tourism.
- Additional promotional activities have been incorporated including online promotions
- Extent of financial assistance permissible has been enhanced.
- Tourism Departments of State Governments / UT Administrations are also now eligible for obtaining financial support under the scheme.
- Development and promotion of Tourist Sites/Destinations is primarily the responsibility of State Governments/UT Administrations.
- However, Ministry of Tourism provides financial assistance to States/UTs for development of tourist destinations based on detailed project reports submitted by them.
- Ministry of Finance, GoI has recently announced new loan guarantee to more than 11,000 registered Tourist Guide/Travel and Tourism Stakeholders, so that they could discharge their liabilities and restart business impacted due to COVID-19.
- Loan will be provided with 100% guarantee upto the following limits:
- Rs. 10,00,000 for TTS (per agency)
- Rs. 1,00,000 for tourist guides licensed at Regional or State Level