New tourist circuits in the offing: Minister

Noting that India's culture and heritage have not been marketed well, union Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma on Thursday said the central government will soon launch new tourist circuits.

"We have not marketed our country and our culture to the world well," Sharma said, adding that there was a high need to promote tourism in the country.

"New tourist circuits will be launched soon. They are Ramayan circuit, desert circuit, eco circuit, rural circuit, wildlife circuit, forest circuit, Himalayan circuit and spiritual circuits," he said.

The minister made the remark while addressing a tourism investors' meet here organised by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

He said the ministry would be promoting tourism in a focused way through these circuits.

Besides, there would be a northeast tourist circuit.

Sharma added that medical tourism in the country has been on a downside.

Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju, who was also present at the event, highlighted that the underutilised bilaterals between countries in civil aviation sector could help in boosting the tourism for the country.