Wi-Fi connectivity for monuments
With an aim to improve infrastructure and provide state-of-the-art facilities, the Ministry of Tourism has identified 100 monuments that will soon become Wi-Fi zones and will also offer welcome kits with SIM cards to travellers on e-Tourist Visa.
The Ministry of Tourism is focusing on several initiatives that will not only boost tourism, but also create an environment to accommodate the exponential growth attributed mainly to the introduction of the e-Tourist Visa (eTV). The first six months of 2016 have seen a growth of about nine per cent in tourists availing eTV services, informed Vinod Zutshi, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. “About 4.6 lakh tourists have availed the facility in the past six months and we expect more growth after amendments for eTV come to play,” he said.
He added that several meetings have been held with the Ministry of Home Affairs and other relevant bodies on reforms in eTV with regard to its validity, entry, and application duration, along with the introduction of e-medical visa and business e-visa, which are expected to be launched soon. He revealed, “Shortly, eTV holders will be given welcome kits with SIM cards, an initiative that will be implemented for the first time.”
Digital India
The Secretary also revealed plans to enhance amenities at tourist hubs and set new standards for cleanliness. Along with the Ministry of Culture, 100 monuments which are popular heritage sites have been identified to receive world class infrastructure. “These 100 destinations will also have Wi-Fi for which we are in talks with Telcom and BSNL. We are financing a major part of the Wi-Fi projects while some are being financed by BSNL including several state governments.”
While road-side amenities are being amped up through the Swadesh Darshan scheme, cleanliness issues will be addressed by the Ministry of Sanitation and Drinking Water in tandem with state governments, he mentioned. “They will begin with 10 monuments initially, and cover the rest step by step.”
Media convergence
To ramp up its promotional activity, MOT has devised a global media plan that will come into effect in a few days. He elaborated, “The media plan has been approved by the Minister and a special commit- tee. We have also appointed a media agency to promote tourism all over the world.”
Through the media plan, MOT will promote tourism via print, electronic, social media and various other internet means. “We have even included the regional print and broadcast networks in this. When it comes to international markets, the plan will be country specific. We have also identified certain countries like China, where we have channels for which promotions will also be carried out in regional language publications.” Zutshi stated that they plan to involve state governments in the plan in attempt of a synergised effort. “We want this to be a joint effort; after all, we are all working for a common cause. ”
About 4.6 lakh tourists have availed the facility in the past six months and we expect more growth after amendments for eTV come to play. Shortly, eTV holders will be given welcome kits with SIM cards, an initiative that will Vinod Zutshi Secretary, Ministry of Tourism Government of India