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Green India Mission: India’s REDD+ Action Plan to Disempower and Evict Forest Communities From Their Own Homelands  |
| December 23, 2011 |
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| Government of India announced it’s first ever National Action Plan on... |
| Mapping Issues and Challenges in Culture and Tourism |
| December 23, 2011 |
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| This is a background note, which outlines the broad issues... |
| Mapping Issues and Challenges of Ecotourism |
| December 23, 2011 |
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| This is a background note, which outlines the broad issues and... |
| Whither Governance? - Public Private Partnerships and Tourism |
| December 14, 2011 |
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| Private corporations have been actively lobbying the government for a... |
| Submission to the OHCHR on Protection of Children from Sexual abuse in India |
| December 14, 2011 |
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| The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) involves a peer review of the... |
TOURISM IN THE NEWS
This section shares developments in tourism across the country as highlighted in the media. On clicking a Title, you can read the article online or where possible redirected to the respective website.
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TCGL Plans To Sign MoU With Travel Trade Associations At End Of Rann Utsav December 31, 2011 - Travel Biz Monitor - www.travelbizmonitor.com
As part of its strategy to focus on forging partnerships to boost tourism in the state, Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd (TCGL) has invited the heads of national level travel trade associations for discussing and signing a Memorandum of Understanding to promote tourism to the state and the country.
Tribal Rehabilitation Burns A Hole In State’s Pockets
December 31, 2011 - Deccan Herald - www.deccanherald.com
Despite getting the third highest allocation of Rs 8.85 crore from the Centre for Project Tiger, the State Government is grappling with the primary situation of rehabilitating nearly 600 families from wildlife sanctuaries at a cost of Rs 10 lakh per family.
Implementation Of ‘Tiger Project’ Worries Malnad Residents
December 31, 2011 - Deccan Herald - www.deccanherald.com
After the announcement of Kudremukh National Park, the Naxals raised their ugly head in the region.
Chattisgarh Tourism Board Rolls Out 360 Degree Advertising Campaign
December 30, 2011 - Hospitality Biz India - www.hospitalitybizindia.com
Chhattisgarh Tourism Board (CTB) has rolled out a 360-degree advertising campaign recently across various media including television, print, radio, web, social media, outdoor, events and activations. The total budget for the entire campaign is Rs seven crore.
Chhattisgarh Tourism Board To Raise Ad Spend By 20 Per Cent In 2012
December 30, 2011 - Travel Biz Monitor - www.travelbizmonitor.com
The Chhattisgarh Tourism Board (CTB) which rolled out a 360-degree advertising campaign in October 2011 across various media including television, print, radio, web, social media, outdoor, events and activations, plans to hike its ad spend by 20 per cent in 2012. The total budget for the entire campaign is Rs 7 crore.
Jammu & Kashmir Govt To Promote Eco-Tourism
December 30, 2011 - Travel Biz Monitor - www.travelbizmonitor.com
In an effort to woo more tourists, the Jammu and Kashmir government is mulling a slew of projects to promote eco-tourism in various regions of the state. "We are currently working on several projects to promote eco-tourism in the state," Mian Altaf Ahmad, Minister for Forest and Environment, Govt of Jammu & Kashmir said after a meeting with officials of his department recently.
Rs 1,500-Cr Investments Expected At Coastal Summit
December 30, 2011 - Deccan Herald - www.deccanherald.com
The investments would be mainly in food and marine processing industries besides tourism and health sector.
ASI To Enlist Belur, Halebid For Unesco Heritage Tag
December 30, 2011 - Deccan Herald - www.deccanherald.com
Superintending Archeologist, Bangalore Circle, ASI, G S Narasimhan said on Friday that a list of heritage monuments of the Hoysala period along with megalithic burial sites including the ones in Kumti, Bellary and Coorg would be soon sent to the ASI under the serial nominations category.
Bhadra Reserve Forest Made Animal-Friendly
December 29, 2011 - Deccan Herald - www.deccanherald.com
The Eco Sensitive Zone in reserve forest limits will be changed. Usually this zone can have 10 km area decided on the basis of revenue department blueprints and blueprint of reserve forest along with the activities going on in and around reserved area.
DGCA May Ban Indian Carriers From Submitting Emissions Data To EU
December 29, 2011 - Travel Biz Monitor - www.travelbizmonitor.com
The Indian government may issue an executive order banning domestic carriers from submitting carbon emissions data to the European Union (EU), if efforts to convince the Union to withdraw the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), fail. The tax, which could cost domestic carriers billions of dollars in EU airspace emissions fees, comes into force from January 1. Another option is adopting a "tit for tat" approach and impose a retaliatory tax on European carriers.
DGCA May Ban Indian Carriers From Submitting Emissions Data To EU
December 29, 2011 - Travel Biz Monitor - www.travelbizmonitor.com
The Indian government may issue an executive order banning domestic carriers from submitting carbon emissions data to the European Union (EU), if efforts to convince the Union to withdraw the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), fail. The tax, which could cost domestic carriers billions of dollars in EU airspace emissions fees, comes into force from January 1. Another option is adopting a "tit for tat" approach and impose a retaliatory tax on European carriers.
State Drags Feet Over Protecting Heritage Sites
December 29, 2011 - Deccan Herald - www.deccanherald.com
Encroachment of monuments and huge tracts of open land surrounding them is going on unabated in North Karnataka in general, and Bijapur in particular. There are more than 100 Centrally Protected Monuments here.
Cyclonic Storm Brewing, 700 Tourists Stranded
December 28, 2011 - Hindustan Times - www.hindustantimes.com
Nearly 700 tourists, domestic and foreign, have been stranded in the Havelock Islands of South Andamans since Sunday because the authorities suspended transport services to Port Blair after the weather turned inclement. A cyclonic storm is blowing over the Bay of Bengal.
Chattisgarh Looking At Public-Private-Partnerships To Strengthen Tourism Service Sector
December 28, 2011 - Travel Biz Monitor - www.travelbizmonitor.com
The Chhattisgarh government, which is planning to double visitor inflow in the next two years, is looking for Public-Private-Partnerships to strengthen its tourist service sector, a senior government official said. "Our state has an abundance of natural beauty and is rich in minerals. To keep it intact, we don't want to attract huge crowd and therefore we are targeting HNIs.
HPTDC Approves Proposal For Setting Up Eco-Tourism Camps In Sangla
December 28, 2011 - Travel Biz Monitor - www.travelbizmonitor.com
In a bid to promote Eco-Tourism in the tribal areas of the state, the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation has approved a proposal for setting up an Eco-Tourism-cum-Nature Camp of pre-fabricated Tourist Huts at Sangla in Kinnaur district.
MoT Introduces STCI For Travel Companies And Hotels
December 28, 2011 - Hospitality Biz India - www.hospitalitybizindia.com
Ministry of Tourism (MoT), Government of India is in the process of introducing Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India (STCI) in next few months after the unveiling of the 'Code of Conduct for Safe and Honorable Tourism' policy. The main idea is to encourage Sustainable and Responsible Tourism among the principal stakeholders of Indian travel and tourism sector.
No Compensation For Traders Evicted From Hampi Bazaar
December 26, 2011 - The Hindu - www.thehindu.com
Having lived a life of uncertainty for five months in temporary shelters and distinctly unsanitary conditions, the 314 families, who were evicted from the Hampi bazaar opposite the iconic 16th century Virupaksha temple, now fear the worst.
Tsunami Funds Diverted To Tourism Projects
December 25, 2011 - Express Buzz - expressbuzz.com
The Central Government had sanctioned Rs 1441.75 crore to rebuild the costal areas in Kerala. In October 2006, the then Revenue Minister K P Rajendran announced the scheme in the Assembly.
Chinese Ambassador To India To Explore Possibilities Of Tourism Exchange With OTDC Officials
December 23, 2011 - Travel Biz Monitor - www.travelbizmonitor.com
Odisha’s Buddhist Tourism potential seems to have impressed China. Zhang Yan, Chinese Ambassador to India, is scheduled to hold discussions with the officials of state-run Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) in Bhubaneshwar today to explore the possibility of developing tourism ties between India and China.
Michael Meade Appointed Acting CEO Of Tourism Fiji
December 23, 2011 - Travel Biz Monitor - www.travelbizmonitor.com
Michael Meade has been appointed as Acting CEO of Tourism Fiji and has taken up leadership of the Fijian national tourism organisation. Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, Minister of Tourism and Attorney General, Fiji, said he was delighted to welcome Michael Meade to Fiji to help guide Fijian tourism as the organisation begins to implement a new change in its strategic goals and objectives. "Michael is one of Asia Pacific’s more successful tourism executives, and he brings a wealth of over 30 years of knowledge and experience to Tourism Fiji,” he said.
Tamil Nadu Allotted Rs 550 Crore For Development Of Tourism Infrastructure
December 23, 2011 - Travel Biz Monitor - www.travelbizmonitor.com
Tamil Nadu is set to become more charming, with two amusement parks on the lines of the popular Sentosa in Singapore planned for Chennai and Tiruchirapalli, each at a cost of Rs 50 crore, among a host of other measures proposed by J Jayalalithaa, Chief Minister, Government of India recently, as she earmarked Rs 550 crore for the state’s tourism sector. Apart from the parks, a seven-point charter that the Chief Minister has evolved to improve tourism includes package tours in rural areas, integrated infrastructure improvement of tourist circuits, better roadside facilities for tourists, Helicopter Tourism, Cruise Tourism and Cable Car Tourism, an official release stated.
Tourists Around But Tax Collection Fails - Darjeeling Municipality To Revamp Policy For Revenue Increase
December 23, 2011 - The Telegraph - www.telegraphindia.com
The administration’s effort to generate revenue for Darjeeling through tourist tax has hit logistics hurdles though the Queen of Hills will host quite a number of visitors during the short Christmas-New year calendar.
Church Wants Govt To Rectify RP 2021
December 22, 2011 - Goa News Online - www.goanewsonline.com
The Church on Wednesday asked for appropriate corrections in the Regional Plan 2021 for sustainable development at a presentation of the state-level committee to Archbishop Patriarch Rev Felipe Neri Ferrao and the Council for Social Justice and Peace, officials said. However, repres-entatives were not too sure about how the corrections were to be made as they were not convinced about the state’s argument on section 17C of the TCP Act being appropriate as per government rules themselves.
MIAL Asks Maharashtra Government To Rehabilitate Slum-Dwellers To Expedite Mumbai Airport’s Modernisation
December 22, 2011 - Travel Biz Monitor - www.travelbizmonitor.com
The Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), which has been appointed to carry out the modernisation of the Mumbai airport, recently warned the state government that unless rehabilitation of slum-dwellers takes off, plans of modernisation may stay as just plans.
MoT To Launch Campaign Clean India From April 2012 As Part Of 12th Five Year Plan
December 21, 2011 - Travel Biz Monitor - www.travelbizmonitor.com
Campaign Clean India, an awareness and sensitisation campaign by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India will be launched as part of the initiatives for tourism in the 12th Five Year Plan from April 2012. The Campaign seeks to bring together media, government departments, NGOs, academia and the stakeholders of the travel industry and encourage active participation for promoting cleanliness initially at tourist spots and ultimately, throughout the country.
India Asks Its Airlines Not To Submit Carbon Tax Data To EU
December 19, 2011 - Travel Biz Monitor - www.travelbizmonitor.com
The Indian government has asked the country’s airlines to refrain from submitting carbon emissions data to the European Union (EU). The emissions data will be used for a new tax, applicable from January 1 for flights to Europe. The Centre, with this move, hardened its stand further against the imposition of the levy.
Decentralise Tourism In Goa: Governor
December 19, 2011 - Express Buzz - expressbuzz.com
Goa Governor K. Sankaranarayanan said Monday that the state should make efforts to decentralise tourism in order to prevent its beaches from getting dirty and overcrowded.
Union Govt Plans To Develop 35 Tourist Spots During 12th Plan
December 18, 2011 - The Hindu Business Line - www.thehindubusinessline.com
The Union Ministry of Tourism plans to develop 35 destinations in the country during the 12th Plan. Under this, everything required for the development of such destinations will be done in a holistic manner, according to Mr Subodh Kant Sahay, Union Tourism Minister.
Tourism Badly Hit Over Mullaperiyar Protests
December 18, 2011 - The Hindu - www.thehindu.com
The ongoing protests in the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border over the Mullaperiyar Dam issue has hit the tourism sector hard with tour operators and hotels reporting cancellations in the range of 70 to 80 per cent during a period that is supposed to be the peak tourism season.
DK, Udupi To Be Brought Under Mega Tourism Circuit
December 17, 2011 - The Times Of India - articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Tourism in coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi is all set to receive a mega boost with Union Tourism Minister Subodh Kant Sahai giving his nod for inclusion of the districts under his ministry's mega circuit.
No License? Buy A Beach Shack For Rs 3 Lakh
December 17, 2011 - Goa News Online - www.goanewsonline.com
Subletting of shacks -prohibited by the official shack policy of the state tourism department-is rampantly taking place across the state's beach belt, if shack owners are to be believed.
Hospitality Industry In Maharashtra Protests State Government's Entertainment Duty
December 16, 2011 - Hospitality Biz India - www.hospitalitybizindia.com
The hospitality industry in Maharashtra is in the process of requesting a rollback of the state government's Bombay Entertainment Duty (Amendment) Act, 2010.
HC Orders Goa Department Of Tourism To Remove Illegal Shacks From Calangute Beach
December 16, 2011 - Travel Biz Monitor - www.travelbizmonitor.com
The High Court of Bombay at Goa recently directed the Goa Department of Tourism to remove the illegal shacks and excess deck beds on Calangute beach within five days and file a compliance report by December 21, 2011. A division bench comprising Justice AP Lavande and Justice UV Bakre passed the order in an application filed by JW D'souza. D’souza alleged that shack owners blatantly defy restrictions imposed by the tourism department while allowing permission to put up their shacks. D'souza also pointed out that the beach is cluttered with deck beds and beach umbrellas, in excess of what is permitted to them.
Hospitality To Play Key Role In Mangalore
December 16, 2011 - The Hindu Business Line - www.thehindubusinessline.com
Coastal Karnataka, especially Mangalore, expects major investments to the tune of nearly Rs 145 crore in the hospitality sector. In the recently-concluded Coastal Business Development Summit in Mangalore, investment proposals worth more than Rs 1,500 crore in various sectors, including hospitality, were submitted during the two days.
A Master Plan For Pahalgam’s Destruction
December 15, 2011 - Tehelka - www.tehelka.com
IN PICTURESQUE Pahalgam, tucked in the sub-Himalayan ranges near the confluence of Sheshnag and Aru streams, villagers are fighting to safeguard an eco-sensitive region from a controversial Master Plan that is fast turning the tourist hotspot into a concrete jungle.
Aviation Ministry To Implement New Civil Aviation Policy
December 15, 2011 - Travel Biz Monitor - www.travelbizmonitor.com
According to a Times of India report, the government will soon bring out a new aviation policy that will focus on airline sustainability - and hence safety in operations. For this purpose, the new policy will focus on ensuring that airline fares are reflective of their total costs to ensure that neither are fares so high that the consumer is fleeced, nor lowered by some carriers (predatory pricing) so much that others find it hard to survive.
National Tourism Advisory Council Meet Chalks Out Strategies For Tourism Development In India
December 14, 2011 - Hospitality Biz India - www.hospitalitybizindia.com
In order to develop tourism infrastructure in India, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has appointed a national level consultant, which is in the process of identification of the four tourist circuits/destinations and two rural clusters in each State/UTs. This information was provided by Subodh Kant Sahai, Union Minister for Tourism.
Cinemas And Liquor Won’t Bring Peace
December 13, 2011 - Tehelka - www.tehelka.com
JUST DAYS ago, the media widely reported that Farooq Abdullah, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, President of the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference and father of the incumbent chief minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, had remarked that, ‘Cinemas and liquor shops should reopen in Kashmir to give more options to tourists visiting the state’ and that ‘Steps like reopening of cinemas and liquor sale would boost the tourism industry in the state’. This has inevitably triggered an intense debate.
Government Revives ‘Bed And Breakfast’ Scheme
December 13, 2011 - The Sentinel Assam - www.sentinelassam.com
Inspired by the famous saying, “Failure is a road to success”, the Meghalaya government has decided to revive the Centrally-sponsored ‘Bed and Breakfast scheme’ to promote the concept of providing affordable and qualitative accommodation and breakfast to tourists visiting smaller towns and villages.
Sikkim Races On Organic Route
December 13, 2011 - The Telegraph - www.telegraphindia.com
Almost one third of agricultural land in Sikkim has passed the first test as the state races to achieve organic status in four years.
Aviation Ministry Approves FDI Up To 26% In Indian Airlines
December 12, 2011 - Travel Biz Monitor - www.travelbizmonitor.com
The Civil Aviation Ministry has agreed to the proposal for allowing foreign carriers to buy up to 26 per cent stake in private airlines, sources said. Earlier the ministry had proposed to fix a cap of 24 per cent on foreign direct investments (FDI) by overseas carriers. "It (Civil Aviation Ministry) has come on board for 26 per cent FDI," a senior government official said. He declined to divulge the details, according to a report by PTI.
Cruise Shipping
December 12, 2011 - Press Information Bureau - pib.nic.in
Cruise Shipping is one of the most dynamic and fast growing components of the leisure hospitality industry worldwide and is growing at the rate of 12% per annum globally. This sector has witnessed some activity in India, as well in the recent times. However, it is still in its infancy in India. Presently Indian Shipping Line owns one luxury cruise liner.
National Tourism Advisory Council Meets Strategies For Development Of Tourism In 12th Plan
December 12, 2011 - Press Information Bureau - pib.nic.in
Union Tourism Minister, Shri Subodh Kant Sahai has said in order to develop tourism infrastructure in the country the Tourism Ministry has appointed a National level consultant, which is in the process of identification of the four tourist circuits/destinations and two rural clusters in each State/UT. Chairing the meeting of the National Tourism Advisory Council held in New Delhi today, the Minister said 35 tourist circuits/destinations/cities are planned to be developed in Phase-I by 2016.
‘Monumental Law’ Unsettles Heritage Towns
December 11, 2011 - Deccan Herald - www.deccanherald.com
The Act, which came into force on March 31, 2010, prescribes stringent restrictions on construction activities around historic monuments. The law declares the monuments as protected areas and forbids any new construction in a radius of 100 metre from the boundary of the monuments.
Union Minister For Tourism Announces New Initiatives For 'Hunar Se Rozgar Tak' Programme
December 09, 2011 - Hospitality Biz India - www.hospitalitybizindia.com
Ministry of Tourism (MoT), Government of India has outlined several new initiatives for the programme Hunar Se Rozgar Tak (HSR) during the 12th Five-Year Plan. This information was provided by Subodh Kant Sahai, Union Minister for Tourism, while addressing the meeting of the Consultative Committee of Parliament attached to his Ministry in New Delhi. RH Khwaja, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and other senior officials of MoT were present in the meeting.
German Tourists Demand Visa Extension Up To One Year
December 08, 2011 - Travel Biz Monitor - www.travelbizmonitor.com
German tourists visiting Goa are demanding a relaxation of the mandatory two-month cooling period required between subsequent visits to India; much like the relaxation granted to tourists from the UK. The Indo-German Friendship Society (IGFS) has decided to petition the Ministry of Home Affairs in this regard.
Common Card In Offing For Multimodal Travel Across India
December 07, 2011 - Travel Biz Monitor - www.travelbizmonitor.com
People in India can use a single card for travelling in buses, trains, metros and ferries across the country besides paying parking and toll fees. The National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), named 'More', was recently unveiled by Kamal Nath, Urban Development Minister, India in New Delhi. It would take five years before the card becomes operational.
APTDC To Develop Yeleru In East Godavari As Tourist Hub
December 06, 2011 - Travel Biz Monitor - www.travelbizmonitor.com
Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) intends to develop a tourist hub by providing all the requisite facilities for entertainment under public-private-partnership at Yeleru reservoir located at Ramanaiahpeta village of Yeleswaram mandal in East Godavari. The tourism authorities propose to develop facilities including cottages and budget accommodations, boating, jetties, kids play area including toy train, group sitting areas to watch sun rise and set, food courts, gardens, etc.
Don’t Just Cash In On Tigers
December 05, 2011 - Down To Earth - www.downtoearth.org.in
Eco-tourism, as the world understands it, means impact of tourism on wild habitats and wildlife is deliberately kept low. It also means that local conservation contexts are acknowledged and efforts are made to improve the economic lot of communities living around a sanctuary or national park. Eco-tourism must make tourists more aware of the need for, and challenges to, wildlife conservation. But all this requires that the people who run the show themselves are responsible; it precludes outright capitalism as motive for entering the tourism business.
Eco-Tourism Centre To Be Set Up At Masani Barrage In Haryana
December 05, 2011 - Travel Biz Monitor - www.travelbizmonitor.com
A herbal park and an Eco-Tourism centre named after former prime minister late Rajiv Gandhi will soon come up in Haryana. This information was provided by Ajay Singh Yadav, Forest Minister, Haryana. Yadav said, “The Rs 2.07 crore herbal park-cum-eco tourism centre will come up at Masani Barrage in Rewari district's Dharuhera area.”