MoT sanctions funds to promote Rural Tourism in states, union territories

The Minister for Tourism and Culture Ambika Soni, yesterday in the capital, said that the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) will provide Central financial assistance to state governments and Union Territory administrations for infrastructure development at rural sites having tourism potential under the ongoing scheme of Product and Infrastructure Development for Destination and Circuits. Funds for capacity building are provided through Government of India - United Nations Development Programme Endogenous Tourism Project and the Capacity Building for Service Providers Scheme of the MoT. The Ministry has so far sanctioned projects for 136 Rural Tourism sites in 27 states including 36 sites, which United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has supported for capacity building.

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha yesterday, Soni said that the MoT promotes and publicises all tourism products including Rural Tourism sites through collaterals, print, electronic and internet media under the ‘Incredible India’ campaign.