Union Minister of State for Tourism K. J. Alphons Wednesday said the government has taken several steps to boost the tourism sector in the country.

Ministry as part of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has taken initiatives to sensitize all sections of society on the importance of cleanliness and hygiene in public places particularly monuments and tourist destinations, Alphons said.

Ministry’s Social Awareness campaign titled ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ promoting concepts of ‘Cleanliness’, ‘Hospitality’, Civic Responsibilities’, and ‘Good Behaviour Towards Tourists’ has been released on Doordarshan and private television channels across the country, he added.

Some of the factors responsible for Tourist Arrivals in any city, including Indian cities, are economic conditions of the source and destination countries and air connectivity, the minister said.

In order to augment supply of hotel accommodation for budget tourist, both domestic and foreign, the Ministry has a voluntary scheme for approval of Guest Houses and approval of Incredible India Bed & Breakfast/ Homestay Establishments, wherein the basic idea is to provide a clean and affordable place for foreign and domestic tourists alike, he said.

The voluntary scheme of the Ministry of Tourism for approval at project stage hotels stipulate the hotels of 1, 2, 3 and 4 star categories and Heritage (Basic) category availing subsidy/tax benefits /other benefits from the Central/State Government would be subject to a lock – in period of 8 years during which they would not seek up-gradation to a higher category. These hotels continue to serve as budget category hotels.

Ministry has launched two flagship schemes viz. Swadesh Darshan - Integrated Development of Theme-Based Tourist Circuits and PRASHAD- Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive for creation and development of tourism infrastructure across the country, the minister said.