New Delhi: The government will focus on developing 17 iconic tourism sites, including Taj Mahal and Khajuraho Temples, across the country with an estimated investment of Rs 5000 crore over a period of three years.
Talking to reporters here on Friday, Union Tourism Minister Prahlad Singh Patel said, “We are focusing the iconic monumental sites throughout the country. We will invest around Rs 5000 crore. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) is ready.”
He also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had tasked his ministry to double the foreign tourist footfalls in the next five years.
“In this regard, the eVisa norms have been simplified and the result is reflecting now. The tourist arrivals on eVisa have gone up by 43 per cent to 3,75,484 in 2019 against 2,61,956.”
In 2019, the foreign tourist arrivals stood at 10.92 lakh as against 10.12 lakh in 2018.
On being asked about engaging celebrity as the brand ambassador for Incredible India campaign, the minister said, “Prime Minister is our brand ambassador.”
Talking about Mamallapuram in Tamil Nadu, where Mr Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held second informal summit between India and China last year in October, the Minister said the tourist footfalls have risen by 35 per cent.
In a major decision, Mr Patel informed that Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) monument sites will remain open till 9 p m if these are equipped with light and sound shows.
