New Delhi, Sep 28 (KNN) In an effort to boost tourism in Uttarakhand, the state cabinet has approved a Tourism Policy which accords industry status to the sector, besides listing a series of benefits and exemptions for some 28 related commercial activities.

Minister Madan Kaushik clarified that after the tourism sector was accorded the industry status, 28 allied commercial activities would be entitled to the benefits and exemptions startups and industries in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector were entitled to.

He said, “Like the MSME sector, entrepreneurs who set up units related to those 28 ventures will be provided exemptions and benefits through the subsidy granted by the central government.”

Under the policy, the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) will be the nodal agency for registration and processing related to tourism related activities and projects.

State Tourism and Culture minister Satpal Maharaj congratulated all the stakeholders connected to tourism. He said that the purpose of this policy is to develop and strengthen the state as a secure and tourist-friendly destination. It is also aimed at development new tourist destinations, special tourist products and ensuring basic facilities at tourist destinations.

The new policy will be valid for a period of five years from its issuance, said Tourism Secretary Dilip Jawalka.

He said according to the proposed policy the UTDB will prepare land banks in each district for tourism purpose. For the convenience of investors, the department will depute a nodal officer to work in coordination with the investors throughout various steps in the process under the single window system.

He also mentioned that the varied encouragement and subsidies will also be provided to tourism projects ranging in cost from Rs 10 crore to more than Rs 50 crore.

A total of 28 activities/facilities including hotel, resorts, Yoga, Spa, Ayurveda and naturopathy resort, eco-lounge, parking spots, entertainment parks, convention centre, festival, adventure activities (trekking, paragliding, water and aero-sports), ropeway, air taxi, handicrafts and service apartments among others have been granted valid units status.