Despite being home to important Buddhist pilgrimage destinations for the 450 million practicing Buddhists across the world, India has been able to attract just 0.005 per cent tourists to its Buddhist Circuit.
It is a route involving Bodhgaya in Bihar where the Buddha attained enlightenment to Sarnath and to Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh, where he gave his first teachings and died.
However, not to lose out on tourism footfalls on this circuit which has huge revenue potential, the Union Tourism Ministry has now chalked a out mega plan including a dedicated campaign to attract more tourists and set up basic amenities and facilities on the national highways joining the destinations to promote the sector in a big way.
“We have tied with the National Highway Authorities of India (NHAI) to set up basic amenities such as toilets and cafeteria enroute the Buddhist Circuit for the comfort of the travelers. Work will soon start on five such wayside facilities, said Union Tourism Ministry Secretary Rashmi Verma.
“Also, soon there would be a film on Buddhist areas of interest, a dedicated website for easy access of tourists for Buddhism related information and even a dedicated road show to promote it,” Verma pointed out that, as of now only 0.005 per cent tourists come to India who are interested in the Buddhist circuit despite Buddha having such a strong presence here.
There is huge potential in it and we have to capitalise it, she said adding that there are plans to start new trains for the Buddhist circuit from next year.
A senior official from the Ministry added that as there is stiff competition from other countries in the region, there is a need to have a focused, action oriented strategy towards developing peripheral infrastructure and itineraries around our Buddhist heritage.
He said that lack of quality human resource, especially when it comes to service-oriented roles, and lack of infrastructure facilities around destinations are the major issues. Also, connectivity, apart from safety and accommodation are the key components which need to be addressed.
The Buddhist Circuit is a globally important route for over 450 million Buddhists across the world, especially in East and South East Asian regions, making it an important platform for strengthening bilateral and cultural ties.