50 mega tourist circuits to be developed

NEW DELHI: For giving a major thrust to the tourism sector, government is planning to develop 50 mega tourist circuits in the country.

"50 mega tourist circuits will be developed in the country out of which work on five mega circuits will be taken up this year," Tourism Minister Sripad Naik said here on sidelines of a book release function.

He said there are many ways to boost tourism like eco tourism, wellness tourism, village and agro tourism.

Asked whether the tourism ministry is against pubs for promoting tourism, Naik said, "It is not like that. If there is something within legal framework we are not against it. We will support it."

Earlier, Naik released a coffee table book on the ITDC flagship hotel Ashok.

Written by travel writers Hugh and Colleen Gantzer, the book titled "The Ashok-Capital Icon" captures the history of the Ashok hotel from the time of its conceptualisation in 1955 till present.

Speaking on the occasion, ITDC Managing Director Sameer Sharma said, "this is a proud moment for us to revisit all those cherished moments of our glorious history and share them with all of you as priceless treasures."