New Delhi, Sep 16 (UNI) Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday inaugurated 12-day ‘Paryatan Parv’ or tourism festival by beating drum at the function organised at Rajpath near India Gate.
Organised by the Tourism Ministry, this festival will showcase the various cultural programmes of dance, art, life style and cuisines of different states. This is also being organised at various places in 28 states and national capital region.
Inaugurating the Parv, Mr Singh said that India is the only country where all major religions of the world, diverse culture, customs and cuisines are found and, we should see and experience this Incredible India.
The Home Minister also said that the Government has ensured ‘ease of travel’ through various steps like simplification of process of e-tourist visa application. The Minister also urged Indians to visit various places in the country and thereby understand its rich and varied culture and heritage, also enjoy its natural beauty.
He said that when domestic and foreign tourists will come and look at its various forms, it will help them understand India.
“Tourism sector in India is registering wonderful growth which is significantly higher than the World Average growth rate of 7 percent. Foreign Tourist Arrivals during the year 2017 were 10.04 million with a growth rate of 14 percent as compared to the year 2016”, Mr Rajnath Singh said.
“e-Visa continues to be the game changer for tourism sector. It is now available for nationals of 166 countries and allows visits for business and medical treatment. The process of obtaining the e-Tourist Visa has been simplified significantly by the Government”, he further added.
The 250 delegates from 60 countries, participating in the International Tourism Mart, organized by the Ministry of Tourism, also had an opportunity to savour the flavour of the Incredible India on showcase at the Rajpath Lawns.
Union Minister for Tourism KJ Alphons, Tourism Secretary Rashmi Verma and other dignitaries from participating Central Ministries and State Governments were also present at Rajpath Lawns, New Delhi.
This is the second edition of “Paryatan Parv”, a nation-wide celebration of Tourism, from September 16 to 27.
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