ABTO International Convention inaugurated

The Union Minister of State (IC) for Tourism and Culture, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel, inaugurated the ABTO (Association of Buddhist Tour Operators) International Convention on December 10, 2020 in New Delhi virtually.

ABTO Convention

•  It is a three-day event.
• The event is being held in partnership with Ministry of Tourism.
• It will be held between 10 to 12 December in Bodhgaya, Bihar.

Significance of the Summit

The summit has been inaugurated in line with the Government’s special efforts to promote Buddhist tourism in the country. Government has launched several schemes such as Swadesh Darshan Scheme and PRASHAD Yojana to promote the tourism. Further, the ministry has diverted Rs 350 crore for the development of Buddhist Sites under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme While, Rs.900 crore have been diverted under the PRASHAD Scheme.

Other steps to promote the Buddhism and tourism

• Signages has been installed in Sinhali language at Sanchi monument, Madhya Pradesh.
• Signages has also been installed in Chinese language at Sravasti and Sarnath.
• Signages would also be installed in other languages if the number of tourists form that country is more than one lakh.
• The monuments are also being re-listed.
• Efforts are being made to register accommodation units across the country on the Ministry’s portal National Integrated Database of Hospitality Industry (NIDHI). So far, 32000 accommodation units have been registered.

National Integrated Database of Hospitality Industry (NIDHI)

NIDHI is a digital platform where all accommodation units can register themselves in order to become part of the hospitality industry. Once the accommodation is registered with NIDHI, it will ensure electronic delivery of services. The portal does not require any document for its registration.