Modi made India popular among foreign tourists: Mahesh Sharma

Union Minister of State for Tourism and Culture, Mahesh Sharma, today claimed that India is becoming a popular tourist destination for foreigners due to the respect country has gained worldover under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The minister added that influx of foreign tourists have opened new opportunities for the country to earn foreign currency.
"The kind of respect India has gained across the world under the leadership of our PM, the number of foreign tourists visiting our country is increasing gradually. This has opened new avenues to earn more foreign currency," a release issued by the Gujarat Government quoted him as saying.

Sharma stressed on developing adventure and medical tourism sectors through collective efforts by all the states and Centre.
He was speaking at the National Conference of Central and State/UT Ministers and Secretaries of Tourism, Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports.
The three-day conference was inaugurated today by Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani at Dhordo in the Rann of Kutch. PM Narendra Modi addressed the dignitaries through video conference, said the release.

In his inaugural speech, Rupani stressed that his government wants to promote an 'addiction-free' tourism model, an apparent reference to the ban on liquor and hookah bars in Gujarat.
"We want to promote tourism, but, by keeping away from all kinds of addictions. To save our youths from various addictions, we are strictly enforcing the ban on liquor and hookah bars in the state," the release said quoting Rupani.

Among many other dignitaries, Union Sports Minister Vijay Goel was also present during the conference. He informed the audience that Centre government is committed to provide more playgrounds in cities to promote sports among youths, said the release.