Naik proposes Islamic, Buddhist tourist circuits

LONDON: Tourism minister Shripad Naik has submitted a detailed proposal to the Prime Minister’s Office for the creation of religion-based circuits across India for the benefit of adherents of various faiths — including Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism.

Naik, who was in London for the World Travel Market 2014, told HT on Wednesday that prominent religious sites will be linked under each circuit, a move which will also benefit tourists. “These include places like Hazrat Nizamuddin, Ajmer Sharif and Hazratbal for followers of Islam, and sites like Bodh Gaya and Sarnath for Buddhists. We are developing five such tourism circuits this year. The target is 50 in the next five years,” Naik said.

The minister said that ` 600 crore had been earmarked for tourism infrastructure development, which includes creating and upgrading accommodation and toilet facilities, near religious sites and on national highways. Efforts were also on to increase skills and the number of interpreters and guides in various Indian and foreign languages. Many companies had come forward to ‘adopt’ monuments and ensure their upkeep and cleanliness, said the minister, who will participate in a Swachh Bharat campaign at the Taj Mahal on November 13.

The India stand at WTM included 47 partners, including state tourism departments, tour operators and hoteliers. There has been a 7.6% growth in foreign tourist arrivals in India during January-September 2014.

Naik, who also holds the culture portfolio, said the ministry was increasing its focus on the north-eastern states by sanctioning additional funds.