According to a PTI report, the Centre has launched a hospitality scheme, offering incentives to tour operators and international journalists visiting the country, as part of its initiatives to make India an attractive destination for travellers. This information was given by Sanjay Shreevats, Regional Director (South Zone), Ministry of Tourism, while inaugurating the Travel and Tourism Fair in Chennai yesterday.
Shreevats said, “They can visit whichever place they want to and the government will take care of transport and five─star hotel accommodation for them. Most tour operators and journalists prefer to visit beaches in Goa or the Golden Triangle (connecting Jaipur─Agra─Delhi), while those interested in skiing are taken to Kashmir.” He further said that the Centre also provides incentives to domestic tour operators who take part in International Trade Fairs organised in foreign countries.
“They (tourist operators) are verified after which we provide them upto Rs two lakh as Market Development Assistance,” he said.