Union tourism ministry is now hawking a brand new product to woo foreign tourists. India will be showcased as a “shopping tourism destination”.
KOLKATA: The Union tourism ministry is now hawking a brand new product to woo foreign tourists.
For the first time, the country will be showcased as a “shopping tourism destination”. But do not expect glitzy duty-free zones.
Instead, the agenda is to put forward India’s cultural heritage and famed craftsmanship. The Centre is likely to fund up to 25% of the project cost or 50% of the promoter’s contribution or Rs 50 crore, whichever will be lowest, it is learnt. All the state governments and cottage industries will be involved in the venture through a public-private partnership model.
Tourism minister Ambika Soni said four destinations have been identified under this programme for the initial phase. These are Noida, Shilpagram in Hyderabad, Bhubaneswar and Aurangabad.
“We will be targeting India’s traditions, art and craft. Thus, these will not be shopping destinations for electronic and other luxury goods, which are generally associated with shopping destinations,” Soni said.
She added: “Shopping tourism will give a market to rural artisans.” Soni also said that the bed-and-breakfast plan rolled out in Kerala and the North East will now be implemented in Delhi as well, keeping the 2010 Commonwealth Games in mind.
However, Sanjay Kothari, additional director general, ministry of tourism, Government of India, said an ordinance will be shortly issued to deter bed-and-breakfast players from charging commercial rates.
He said a few establishments were imposing luxury and value-added taxes on properties, electricity and water which is illegal since bed-and-breakfast establishments are run out of domestic properties and thus cannot charge commercial rates.
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