Working Groups for the Eleventh Five Year Plan (2007-2012)

Tourism

Dated 20 March, 2006

In the context of the formulation of the Eleventh Five Year Plan (2007-2012), it has been decided to constitute a Working group on Tourism. The composition and terms of reference of the Working Group would be as follows:

1. Composition

2. The Terms of Reference of the Working Group are as follows:

1. To review the performance of the tourism sector with reference to the strategy and objectives of the Tenth Plan together with issues identified in the MTA  and to suggest a plan for the promotion of tourism in the Eleventh Plan.
2. To review the priority given to the tourism sector as an instrument of employment generation and socio-economic development by the States in rural and backward areas by developing infrastructure for   agro, heritage, cultural and eco-tourism.
3. To identify priority areas for development of tourism during the Eleventh Plan period based on a master plan and to assess prospects of new tourism products like health tourism
4. To review the impact of liberalization of civil aviation policy on tourist arrivals and to suggest further steps to enhance tourist arrivals to the country.
5. To review the road connectivity requirements to tourist destinations and suggest measures to improve connectivity to existing and potential destinations.
6. To review the extent of private participation and investment for tourism promotion taking into account environmental impact studies and the carrying capacity of tourist destinations using instruments of spatial and land use planning and architectural control.
7. To make an assessment of the foreign tourism markets and to identify the reasons for low volume of tourist traffic to the country compared to neighbouring countries.
8. To assess the likely tourist flows and project the targets for international and domestic tourism during the Eleventh Plan.
9. To suggest measures  for increasing the period of stay/spending by tourists so as to create more employment  and income generating  opportunities at selected destinations
10. To make an assessment of the accommodation requirements, both in the star and budget category, and the requirements of transportation and other facilities commensurate with the projected volume of tourist traffic.
11. To review the working of hospitality training institutes and to project the trained man power requirements and training facilities during the Plan period
12. To assess the investments to be made by the Ministry of Tourism as well as by the private sector for provision of tourist facilities to the level of international standards, including hotels, at the potential destinations and circuits.
13. To estimate direct and indirect employment expected to be generated in the sector during the plan period.
14. To review the impact of existing Plan schemes, particularly the progress of tourism circuit approach, and the need for modifications, if any.
15. To examine the need to continue Government of India Overseas Tourist Offices in the context of effective overseas publicity through inter-net and electronic media.
16. While formulating recommendations for the 11^th Plan, take into account the recommendations, suggestions and findings of various committees including Parliamentary committee, studies, etc.
17. To review the national tourism policy and suggest modifications, if any, required.
18. To review the progress of tourism development in the North-Eastern region and to make suggestions.
19. Any other item considered important by the Working Group.

3. The Chairman of the Working Group may co-opt officials or non-officials as members and constitute sub-groups, if considered necessary.

4. Official members of the Working Group will be paid TA/DA by their respective Departments as per the rules of entitlement applicable to them.  The non-official members will be paid TA/DA by the Planning Commission as per SR 190 (a) for attending meetings of the Working Group.

5. The Working Group will submit its report to the Planning commission by 30.6.2006.

6. Shri R.P. Chandran, Director (Tourism), Room No.314-A, Yojana Bhavan, New Delhi (Telephone No.23096714), will be the Nodal Officer for this Working Group for all further communications.