Year End Review -2017: Ministry of Tourism

Year End Review -2017 Ministry of Tourism

Question: What is the India’s rank in the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI), 2017?
(a) 34
(b) 40
(c) 52
(d) 65
Answer: (b)
Related Facts:

  • On December 28th, 2017, Year End Review -2017: Ministry of Tourism was released.
  • Important facts relating to this review are as follows:
  • India’s rank in the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI), 2017 has also shown a 25 places jump from 2013.
  • Rank of India in TTCI Report of 2017 was 40th as compared to 52nd in 2015 and 65th in 2013.
  • Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) during the period January-November 2017 were 90.01 lakh with a growth of 15.6% over same period of the previous year.
  • During January-November 2017, a total of 14.57 lakh foreign tourists arrived on e-Tourist Visa as compared to 9.17 lakh during January-November 2016, registering a growth of 58.8%.
  • Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) during the period January-November 2017 were Rs.1, 60,865 Crore with a growth of 16.9% over same period of previous year.
  • Theme based circuits are being developed under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme spanning the entire country.
  • A total number of 11 projects have been sanctioned during 2017-18 for a total amount of Rs.824.80 Crore.
  • Total 67 projects have been sanctioned till date for an amount of Rs.5648.71 Crore under this Scheme.
  • Holistic development of identified pilgrimage destinations is being undertaken under the ‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive’ (PRASHAD) Scheme.
  • A total number of 3 projects have been sanctioned during 2017-18 for a total amount of Rs.98.84 Crore.
  • A total number of 21 projects have been sanctioned till date for an amount of Rs.587.29 Crore under this Scheme.
  • Ministry of Tourism launched the ‘Adopt A Heritage’ project.
  • Heritage sites are being offered for adoption by the public sector, private sector and individuals to become ‘Monument Mitras’ for developing amenities and facilities at these sites under this programme.
  • Creation of ‘Special Tourism Zones’ anchored on Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) in partnership with the States was announced in the Budget for 2017-18.
  • Paryatan Parv was organized in October, 2017 covering 31 States and Union Territories.
  • The main objective of the event was to focus on the benefits of tourism, showcasing the cultural diversity of the country and reinforcing the principle of “Tourism for All”.
  • “National Conference of Central & State/UTs Ministers and Secretaries of Tourism, Culture, Youth Affairs & Sports” was organized at Dhordo, Rann of Kutch in January 2017.
  • It was organized by Ministry of Tourism, along with the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports in collaboration with the Govt. of Gujarat.
  • The theme for the Conference was “Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat”
  • Bharat Parv event organized by the Government of India at Red Fort, Delhi from 26th to 31st January 2017, as part of the Republic Day Celebrations.
  • ‘National Tourism Awards 2015-16’ were given in various segments of the travel, tourism and hospitality industry at a function organised by the Ministry of Tourism on the occasion of “World Tourism Day” 27th September, 2017.
  • The Hon’ble President of India presented Awards.
  • Ministry of Tourism launched “Incredible India 2.0 Campaign”.
  • Ministry of Tourism participated in the “International Tourism Bourse” (ITB) held in Berlin, Germany from 8th to 12th March, 2017.
  • Ministry of Tourism participated in World Travel Mart (WTM) held in London from 6th to 8th November, 2017.
  • A total of 13 States Governments, 22 Tour Operators, Air India, IRCTC and ITDC participated as co-exhibitors at the India pavilion.
  • Ministry of Tourism organized ‘6th International Tourism Mart’ (ITM) in Guwahati, Assam from 5-7 December, 2017.
  • Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned an amount of Rs. 2499.98 Lakh for developing tourist amenities at Madgaon, Karmali and Thivim railway stations in Goa.
  • Three glass coaches will be deployed on scenic rail routes of the country by the Ministry of Tourism as part of its Rail Tourism Policy.
  • These coaches will be available on the Vishakhapatnam – Araku Valley and Dadar to Madgaon route, and Qazigund – Baramullah route in Jammu and Kashmir.

Reference:
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=174954