NATIONAL STRATEGY AND ROADMAP FOR MEDICAL AND WELLNESS TOURISM

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In News

The Union Minister of Tourism has stated in the Lok Sabha that the recently released National Strategy and Roadmap for Medical and Wellness Tourism aim to develop India as a wellness destination.
The Minister highlighted the value of medical travel and wellness tourism.
- This sector has the potential of accelerating the country’s development.

National Strategy and Roadmap for Medical and Wellness Tourism

The Ministry of Tourism has drafted a National Strategy and Roadmap for Medical and Wellness Tourism.
The draft focuses on:
- Develop India as a wellness destination.
- Strengthen the ecosystem for medical and wellness tourism.
- Enable digitalization by setting up an Online Medical Value Travel (MVT) Portal.
- Enhancement of accessibility for Medical Value Travel.
- Promoting Wellness Tourism.
- Governance and Institutional Framework.

Importance of the Tourism Sector

Tourism is a big employment generator.
Foreign tourists' arrival brings Foreign Currency.
Livelihood to local Population and revenue to the Government.
Positive Impact on Education, Culture, Textiles, Development of North-East India, Rural Development.
Promote Socio-economic growth and Poverty Reduction.
Promotes Inclusive Growth, and Environmental Protection.
Protects Cultural Values, Diversity, and Heritage.
Tourism Sector development often results in improvements in basic infrastructure.

Concerns

Lack of basic infrastructure like roads and Providing Clean, Comfortable accommodation to tourists.
Safety Concerns

Steps taken to Promote Tourism

The Ministry has constituted a National Medical and Wellness Tourism Board.
The Ministry has released global print, electronic and online media campaigns in important and potential markets overseas, under the ‘Incredible India’ brand-line, to promote various tourism destinations and products of the country.
Promotions through the Social Media accounts of the Ministry on different themes including the theme of Medical Tourism.
'Medical Visa’ has been introduced, which can be given for specific purposes to foreign travellers coming to India for medical treatment.
To promote Medical Tourism in the country, the Union Government extended the e-medical visa facility to the nationals of 156 countries.
Launched e-ticketing of Historical monuments like the Taj Mahal.
Introduction of dedicated tourist trains across India and a 24x7 tourist helpline.
Ministry of Tourism adopted the Code of Conduct for Safe tourism.
Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
Special Tourism Zone in Partnership with the States.
Swacch Bharat Abhiyan under which the tourist destinations are kept Clean.
Adarsh Smaarak Scheme by Archaeological Survey of India to promote basic tourist facilities in well-known historical sites.
Swadesh Darshan Scheme for integrated development of theme-based tourist Circuits.
PRASHAD Scheme to beautify and improve amenities and infrastructure at Pilgrimage Sites.
Launching of Incredible India 2.0 Campaigns.
Generating sufficient manpower to meet the requirements of the tourism and hospitality industry.
Launching 24x7 toll-free Multi-Lingual Tourist Helpline.