100 day agenda: Selja rolls out Caravan tourism

As part of its efforts to boost the sector, the Tourism Ministry has decided to announce policy initiatives for promotion of innovative programmes like 'caravan' and 'heliport tourism' in its 100-day agenda.

Besides, new policy guidelines would be announced for promotion of 'wellness tourism' in India, Tourism Minister Kumari Selja told reporters in the national capital today.     

She said new policy guidelines for promotion of caravan tourism and facilitating infrastructure for the project would be announced soon. "It will be developed as a niche tourism product."     

Under the project, tourists will enjoy the countryside on a caravan — a home on wheels complete with bed and attached bathroom.     

The Government will formulate a policy to license such vehicles. It can be rented at Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000.

"The project would be successful in places where there is good and well-maintained road network and restaurants," Selja said, adding, at present they are targeting on Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, the Western ghats and hilly areas to promote caravan tourism.     

Tourists can plan their overnight stay at places that have facilities for charging and replenishing water stock.

The cooperation of state governments would also be sought for the project and they would be responsible for providing parking lot not less than 25 acres, the Minister added.     

On heliport tourism, the Minister said guidelines would be framed to provide assistance to states and union territories for construction of helipads and heliports at places having tourism potential but lack good connectivity.     

Further, policy guidelines for promotion of 'wellness tourism' would also be announced.     

"It aims to leverage India's potential in the tradition system of wellness and medicines like Ayurveda, siddha, yoga and project the country as a unique destination for spiritual healing," she said.     

Selja said to promote wellness tourism roadshows would be organised in overseas markets starting with Scandinavian countries in the first phase in August end.     

Noting that the Ministry's focus would be on development of tourist places in a holistic and integrated way, she said inter-state regional conferences would be held at least once a year.