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Make tourist sites more attractive, government tells states
Monday, 31 August 2009, 14:36 IST
New Delhi: Keen to pitch India as a world-class tourism destination, the government has asked states to construct and design civic amenities near tourist sites and conserve heritage monuments in keeping with the local ambience in order to attract more tourists.
Union Tourism Secretary Sujit Banerjee this week wrote to all state chief secretaries urging them to implement a set of guidelines to help them in designing and implementing tourism-related projects.
In his letter, Banerjee said the states should employ architects, conservators and landscape architects in order to make the tourist sites more attractive and aesthetic.
"The guidelines will give directions to states to make buildings and other amenities that would appeal to tourists and would also add to the beauty of the tourist destination," an official told IANS Saturday.
The states were asked to have a one-window clearance for all tourism related projects.
Banerjee said while constructing urban civic amenities, proper attention needs to be given to design and aesthetics, choice of materials, durability and maintenance.
The beautification efforts should keep in mind the cleanliness too, with litter bins and recycling bins at the sites.
The civic amenities include better information, public toilets, parking and facilities for the physically handicapped.
Banerjee said the guidelines were framed following recommendations made at a workshop in New Delhi Aug 19 on Development of World Class Tourism Infrastructure.
The ministry had organised the workshop under the chairmanship of Tourism Minister Kumari Selja. It made the recommendations after discussion with architects, engineering organisations, tourism managers and consultants.
The letter also said states should encourage free and frequent distribution of high quality tourist maps, guides, CDs, posters and tourism calendars.
The wayside amenities should be located after about every 50 km on the way leading to tourist destinations.
"States should also make effort to upgrade and strengthen existing tourist facilities as a part of the tourism policy from their own resources," he said.
The letter asked states to come out with a comprehensive conservation master plan of tourist sites.
It directed the states that face water scarcity not to use fountains and other water-based elements at tourist sites and avoid big illumination if there is a power shortage.
Banerjee also asked states to plan foodcraft institutes and hotel management institutes.
Source: IANS
Source: IANS