India sets up 169 rural tourism sites
Thursday, 14 April 2011, 07:47 IST
Printer Print Email Email
India sets up 169 rural tourism sites
New Delhi: India has set up 169 rural tourism sites in the remote but exotic locales of the country to attract foreign tourists eager to sample village life. According to a tourism official, the ministry has so far sanctioned 169 such sites in 28 states and union territories. The scheme was launched in 2002 with the objective of showcasing rural life, art, culture and heritage in villages, which have core competence in art and craft, handloom and textiles as also an asset base in the natural environment, the official added. "The intention is to benefit the local community economically and socially as well as to enable interaction between tourists and local population for a mutually enriching experience," said the official. The promotion of village tourism is aimed at generating revenue for the rural communities, the official added. In the initial two years, the focus was to develop the infrastructure. State governments were asked to identify and select the sites, which were then developed. These areas were developed from the funds made available under the Product/Infrastructure development for destinations and circuits scheme. "Of the total areas, 36 were developed jointly by the ministry and UNDP", the official added. A maximum of 50 lakh was sanctioned under this scheme, he said. The money was used to improve the surroundings of the village, by landscaping, development of parks, illumination, wayside amenities, reception centers, signages and accommodation. Also roads connecting the villages were repaired. "Rural tourism is mostly aimed at experience oriented. The locations are sparsely populated, it is predominantly in natural environment, a fact which mostly attracts foreign tourists. The aim is also to preserve culture, heritage and traditions of the country," the official added. The official said the Village Level Council (VLC) is the forum for local community to check whether plans were being implemented. Over 5.5 million foreign tourists visited India in 2010, an increase of 8.1 percent over the previous year. In 2009, 5.17 million foreign travellers visited India, while 5.28 million visited the country in 2008.
Source: IANS
siliconindia