Government is boosting tourism potential of Northeastern states: Tourism Secretary
Union Tourism Secretary Rashmi Verma interacting with delegates in the 7th International Travel Mart, Tripura
The government is taking several steps to boost the tourism potential of northeastern states and the Union Home Ministry is very supportive in this regard, Union Tourism Secretary Rashmi Verma said here on Friday. Verma was speaking at the 7th edition of the International Tourism Mart, in which 52 foreign delegates from 18 countries are taking part.
“Compared to 2016, the flow of foreign tourists visiting the northeastern states increased by 16.7 per cent last year while the domestic tourists visiting the region increased by 22.8 per cent,” she said.
She said the government has been using various social and digital media to showcase the tourism potential of the country.
“Under the Rs 5,600 crore ‘Swadesh Darshan’ scheme, 67 projects are being implemented to develop selected tourist places with international standard facilities,” added Verma.
The event was inaugurated by Kaptan Singh Solanki, in the presence of Minister of State for Tourism K.J Alphons and the Chief Minister of Tripura Biplab Kumar Deb in Agartala on Thursday. Minister for Tourism of Tripura Pranjit Singha Roy, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism Rashmi Verma, Director General (Tourism) Satyajeet Rajan and other dignitaries from Central Ministries and North Eastern States were present on the occasion.
Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki inaugurates the event. Minister of State for Tourism K.J Alphons, Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, Minister for Tourism of Tripura Pranjit Singha Roy; Secretary, Ministry of Tourism Rashmi Verma are also present.
Delivering inaugural address, Prof. Kaptan Singh Solanki commented on the new initiatives taken by the government of India for the promotion of tourism in recent years.
“Development of the tourism sector helps in generating meaningful employment and means of income generation for a large number of people, especially the youth of the state”, said the Governor.
“The state government of Tripura has outlined a vision of transforming the state into a model state in the span of next three years. Robust development of tourism sector is one of the most significant components towards the development of the state,” said Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb.
He also said that with the support from the Union ministry of Tourism, the state government is taking strides for holistic development of the Tourism sector.
Tourism Minister KJ Alphons addressing the delegates
In his address, Union Minsiter for Toursm K J Alphons emphasized on the overall promotion of tourism in the North eastern states.
“The government of India has started many new programmes and schemes for the development of tourism in north eastern states. The Tourism sector has reached a new height during last 4 years,” said Alphons.
