National Action Plan for Tourism was presented to the Parliament in May 1992. It outlined the importance of the industry in the global context and in the national context, its effect on employment generation, foreign exchange earnings etc. it recognized the great potential, which existed in the country for the development of tourism and the tremendous scope for accelerated growth.

Following were some of the main objectives of the National Action Plan of 1992:

I. Socio-economic development of the area.

II. Increase in the employment opportunities.

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III. Preservation of national heritage and environment.

IV. Optimization of foreign exchange earnings through international tourism.

V. Increase in India’s share of world tourism.

The National Action Plan, 1992 summarized following recommendations:

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i. Creation of Special Tourism Areas as notified zones for intensive investment and development.

ii. Starting the Scheme for giving Assistance for Special Tourism Areas (ASTA) for providing finances for tourism and tourism related industry in specified areas/circuits.

iii. Special category of Heritage Hotels/Health Resorts to be created and provided.

a. Technical/consultancy help

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b. Loans for financial institutions

c. Interest subsidy

d. Marketing and operational expertise.

iv. Tourism trains to be started on important tourist routes based on the success of Palace-on-wheels.

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v. River cruises to be operated in specified circuits.

vi. Revamping of foreign offices to make them more accountable in terms of specified targets.

vii. Information revolution; information system to be revamped to provide positive projection of India in all leading markets.

viii. Special airline/hotel packages for selected tourist destinations.

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ix. Provision of information counter for airlines, trains, hotels, tourist information at major international airports.