NEW DELHI: A proposal of the Chhattisgarh Government, ‘Producing Tourism Documentary Film and TV Commercials’, has been prioritised by the Tourism Ministry for grant of Central Financial Assistance (CFA) during the financial year 2014-15. 

Culture and Tourism Minister Shripad Yesso Naik told Parliament that the Ministry has recognised films as a powerful tool for promotion of tourism destinations and locations and has taken several steps to promote Film Tourism as an important Niche Tourism product. 

The Ministry formulated guidelines for extending financial support to various State Governments/Union Territory (UT) Administrations, for promotion of Film Tourism.

Under these guidelines, Central Financial Assistance (CFA) of Rs 2 lakh per film can be extended for a maximum of five films which include Feature Films, Documentaries, Tele-films and Television Serials during each financial year to every State Government/UT Administration. The CFA is granted for meeting the costs of space hiring/filming charges, facilitation fee etc. payable by the Filming Unit to the State Governments, UT Administrations, Government agencies etc.

The films for CFA are selected based on the potential exposure they can provide for promotion of tourism destinations and locations. These guidelines have been circulated to all State Governments/UT Administrations and have been uploaded on the official website of the Ministry of Tourism.

The Information and Broadcasting and the Tourism Ministries had signed a Memorandum of Understanding in February 2012 to establish India as a preferred filming destination and promote Film Tourism. The aim is to promote Cinema of India as a sub brand of “Incredible India” at various international film festivals and markets abroad, develop synergy between tourism and the film industry and provide a platform for enabling partnerships between the Indian and global film industry. 

The Ministries jointly participated in the Cannes Film Festival and Market, International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa and Film Bazaar, Goa in 2013-14. 

In January 2012, the then Tourism Minister wrote to the Chief Ministers of various State Governments/Administrators of various UT Administrations to recognise the potential of Film Tourism and constitute special bodies/cells to facilitate filming in the States/Union Territories. 

The Tourism Ministry instituted a National Tourism Award in 2012, “Most Film Promotion Friendly State/UT”, to encourage the State Governments and Union Territories to facilitate filming in their State/UT.