AMN /
Central government will set up Medical Tourism and Wellness Board on the occasion of World Tourism Day September 27th. At a Radio progamme, Minister of State for Tourism and Culture, Mahesh Sharma said, the government will give a new shape to medical tourism keeping in view its importance in the country.
Replying to listeners’ queries, Dr. Sharma said, the Centre has accorded high priority to the safety and security of foreign tourists, particularly the women.
Tourist Police has been deployed at tourist destinations with the help of States’ police to ensure the protection of foreign tourist.
Dr Sharma said, the government has also started a tourist helpline 1363 to provide assistance and information to tourists.
In reply to another query, Tourism and Culture Minister said the government will achieve the target of granting E-Tourist Visa to 150 countries by December this year.
He said, the facility has been extended so far to 113 countries including United States of America, Germany, Australia and China to attract more foreign tourists to India.
Dr Sharma also said, the government has taken cognizance of fake tourism offices operating in various parts of the country and action is being taken against them.
Replying to another question, Tourism Secretary Vinod Zutshi said the Centre is making efforts to promote eco-tourism in the country with the help of States.
He said, it is linked with the rural areas of the country and will generate more employment opportunities to the people of these areas.
In reply to another question, Mr Zutshi said, Toruism Ministry is also promoting lesser known tourist destinations to attract more tourists at these places through theme-based tourist circuits like Swadesh Darshan Yojana.