On the occasion of the World Tourism Day, the Union Ministry of Tourism launched several new initiatives to give a flip to the Indian tourism industry. Mahesh Sharma, Union Minister of State for Tourism(I/C), Culture (I/C), and Civil Aviation announced the constitution of the Medical and Wellness Tourism Promotion Board to draw more medical tourists from across the world. The Board has been formed to tap the potential and advantages that India has in the field of medical and wellness tourism. The Centre of Excellence in Hospitality Education to operate from Hotel Samrat in New Delhi was also inaugurated. Release of Tourism Vision Document 2030, launch of the revamped website of Ministry of Tourism http://tourism.gov.in/ which has now been made bilingual, release of Audio Visual Presentation ‘ Introduction to India’ and a seminar on the theme of World Tourism Day 2015 “ One Billion Tourist, One Billion Opportunities” were some of the other highlights of today’s function on the occasion of World Tourism Day.
Speaking on the occasion, Sharma said that low cost medical facilities are India’s strength and we must take advantage of the same for the purpose of promoting tourism. It is for this reason that the Government took the important decision of setting up the Medical and Wellness Tourism Promotion Board. The Board will have a corpus fund of Rs 2 crore initially, the Minister disclosed. He said that the AYUSH facilities will be promoted along with regular medical facilities.
Sharma also announced that Discover India fares of Air India. Under the scheme, a tourist can discover India in one or two weeks at a reasonable travel cost. A Tourist can buy 5 coupons for Rs 32,500 (15 days validity) or 10 coupons for Rs 60,000 (30 days validity) for exciting Indian destinations, serviced by Air India & Alliance Air without worrying about ticket price fluctuation. In another initiative, Air India will introduce Incredible Air India holiday packages from 1st December, 2015. Air India will also launch Delhi-San Francisco flight from 2nd December, 2015 onwards which will fly thrice a week, he announced.
Secretary, Tourism, Vinod Zutshi; CMD, ITDC Umang Kumar; CMD, Air India, Ashwani Lohani and other senior officials and members of the Travel Industry Stakeholders attended the function.
