: India will harness its tourism potential along the coastline with an estimated investment of Rs. 600 crore.
The investment will be made under Coastal Circuit, one of the 50 circuits planned for development of tourism in the country.
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Addressing a seminar, ‘India and The Indian Ocean: Renewing the Maritime Trade and Civilisational Linkages’ here on Saturday, Union Culture and Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma, said, “We have a 7,500 km coastal belt which has huge potential to attract tourists from around the globe. Hence we are promoting it by initiating various programmes around spiritual and cruise tourism.”
“The ministry has proposed an investment of Rs. 600 crore for the coastal circuit,” Mr Sharma said.
“Odisha, which has around 485 km long coastline, will be part of the coastal circuit and benefit from the scheme,” Mr. Sharma said.
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In the recent Union Budget, the Centre rolled out several schemes including the introduction of cruise and spiritual tourism, which have not been explored in the past.
These initiatives will go a long way in promoting tourism along India’s long coastline,” he maintained.
Mr. Sharma said the country has great potential for promoting pilgrim and culture tourism under PRASAD scheme.
Intra-regional trade
“India’s new initiative to deepen ties with IOR nations would definitely help promote intra-regional trade and tourism among countries of Indian Ocean Rim,” he said.
The three day international conference is attended by the representatives of 20 countries.
Later, Union Tourism Minister reviewed the preparation of Nabakalebar Festival of Lord Jagannath along with Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and State Tourism Minister Ashok Panda and top State officials.
“We have sanctioned Rs. 50 crore out of Rs. 52 crore sought for development of tourist infrastructure in Puri and other places connected with observance of Nabakalebar,” said Mr. Sharma.
India has great potential for promoting pilgrim and culture tourism