State carves out identity in tourism at national and international levels

Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh has achieved the distinction of carving out its identity in tourism at the national and international levels. A number of schemes were launched last year to promote tourism. The state not only became the first choice of tourists, but also the state is being lauded by the Union Government, Tourism Ministry and tourism institutions for publicity and expansion of tourist facilities.
Last year, Tourism Policy 2010 was amended and additional provisions were included in it, specially industry status to tourism, subsidy for heritage hotels in privately-owned buildings. Subsidy worth 25 percent will be given on capital investment for running them besides free technical guidance. A number of other facilities and exemptions have also been given in this sector.
Encouraging results of the amended tourism policy have also come to light at Indore Investors Summit during which private investors signed nine MoUs worth Rs. 1192 crore 6 lakh.
Similarly, subsidy has also been given by the Tourism Department on construction of hotels/resorts at selected places, convention centres on land of department’s land bank in Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Gwalior etc., promotion has been given to promote weekend tourism by conducting package tours, special concessions in bar licences under excise policy, continuous power supply at major tourist destinations and fast-track clearance to tourism projects.
A bank of government land has been developed in the state on 455 hectares for conducting tourism activities. This land is being made available to private investors on lease/development agreement for raising tourism infrastructure.
The State Government has sanctioned special tourism zones in the state including Indira Sagar, Gandhi Sagar, Bansagar, Sanchi, Orchha, Mandu, Khajuraho, Datia, Tawa Nagar and Tamia-Patalkot.
With a view to promoting air connectivity, four major cities Gwalior, Jabalpur, Bhopal and Indore have been lined with air services, which were extended in the year 2012 to Khajuraho, Rewa, Bandhavgarh, Kanha and Nagpur.
The State Government provided 12.7 percent more funds in the departmental budget for the year 2012-13. Phased implementation of Narmada Parikrama was started with a view to promoting religious tourism. Lighting was made on Bhopal’s heritage buildings. Process is underway to install glow signboard “Welcome to the City of Bhopal” at Shyamla Hills. The State Government has ensured a number of other significant tourism facilities and arrangements in the state during the period.