Tourism is a strength, a major economic engine driving the economy and it should be celebrated throughout the year, said the minister of culture here on Friday.Minister of State for Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation Mahesh Sharma said firm policy determination in a time bound manner will give a shot in the arm for tourism in India at the panel discussion "The wonder that is India" at the Global Exhibition on Services 2015, organised by CII, here.Sharma said cleanliness, security and infrastructure are crucial for the growth of tourism.The "Swachh Bharat Abhiyan" launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi best aligns with this strategy, said Sharma.
The minister highlighted the importance of the tourism helpline 1363, launched in March, and the welcome cards being issued at the immigration centres, listing out the dos and don'ts for tourists.Emphasising on security, Sharma said that one must be careful and shared how he directs his daughter to always click a picture of the taxi's number plate she is boarding.Nakul Anand, executive director of ITC Ltd., said India is the 10th largest business travel market in the world.