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Tourism industry is prospering each day. All round development is contributing towards the increase in the tourist inflow. While in 2001 the number of foreign tourists visiting city was 8,055, in 2005 the number went up to 16,094. Likewise, the domestic tourists in 2001 were 1.08 crore in 2005 it increased to 1.64 crore.

Regional Tourist Officer RK Yadav

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1. What is the exact position of tourism industry in Allahabad?

Tourism industry is prospering each day. All round development is contributing towards the increase in the tourist inflow. While in 2001 the number of foreign tourists visiting city was 8,055, in 2005 the number went up to 16,094. Likewise, the domestic tourists in 2001 were 1.08 crore in 2005 it increased to 1.64 crore.

2. Any plan to attract foreign tourists?

The Tourism Department is trying its best to develop the main tourist spots in the city. Beautification task is under way. The floodlights are being installed at all important historical monuments in the city.

3. What are the problems being faced by the tourists and how could they be resolved?

Accommodation problem is emerging as the most important one at present as the number of tourists is increasing each year. We have come up with the paying guest scheme in which the citizens will be encouraged to allow the tourists to stay as paying guests in their houses. The department will register such facility providers who will be encouraged to charge moderately from the tourists.

During Ardh Kumbh, Swiss cottages will be constructed for the tourists. There will be the deployment of 'Tourism Police' at the bus depots, railway stations and Sangam area which will help in reducing the mishaps with tourists. Pamphlets and folders bearing the entire details of the city will be distributed among the people. Since we are expecting the tourists in crores, so it will be our endeavour to make them feel comfortable here.

5. What steps are being taken to project the city as a tourist centre?

Now we have started undertaking publicity in the foreign countries. Every month, the representatives of the Government visit the foreign destinations and participate in the conferences and meetings to make people aware about the main tourists spots in the city, transportation facilities, accommodation etc. In the interactive sessions, the people are encouraged to come up with their problems on their arrival in India so that they could be solved.