Union Budget 2018: Reflects Centre's commitment to enhance tourism economy'

CHENNAI: The announcement in the budget for 2018 proposing to convert 10 identified and prominent tourist destinations into iconic and model destinations by adopting a holistic approach of development with the support of the private sector, has been hailed by the tourism industry.

“The budget with a holistic development outlay showcases the government’s strong commitment to build India as a robust tourism economy,” says Simon Fiquet, General Manager, Southeast Asia and India, Expedia. The emphasis on developing tourism sites into iconic sites and enhancing tourist amenities at 110 Adarsh monument sites will not only contribute to more international footfalls but also hugely augment the domestic tourism revenue of the country, in the years to come.

The expansion of Swachh Bharat Mission and launch of Operation Green will also build a clean and green India for attracting more tourists and delivering an international experience. “The government has presented a budget that charts an all-inclusive development plan for sectors pegged to be future growth drivers for the country. The budget continued its strong focus on strengthening, expanding and upgrading the tourism infrastructure in India,” he said.

In aviation - rounded development has been targeted - from increased regional connectivity and access through regional airports and expansion of UDAAN scheme to Airports Authority of India bolstering a 5 times capacity expansion, to accommodate 1Billion trips a year. Railways and roadways have seen a major outlay for expansion and upgradation, be it wi-fi for entertainment or setting up cctv cameras for better surveillance, ease of travel through modernisation of toll, use of disaster resilient infrastructure and safety first policy for security.