Kalam for public-private tie-ups

The President suggested two models — one adopted by the Emir of Dubai, who had once expressed his intention to increase the tourist arrival by five times, when they met. ‘‘Once this decision was taken,’’ said Kalam, ‘‘a whole lot of ministries such as aviation, surface transport, public works and health got activated,’’ he said. ‘‘It is the kind of integrated response I found in the whole government, to fulfill this national objective. We have to take this message and plan for multiple requirements simultaneously for promoting tourism in our country,’’ he added.

The other model is the Maldives model, said Kalam, which could suit promotion of island tourism in Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar in the country.

‘‘Maldives gives its islands for development as tourist spots on lease to private entrepreneurs, who in turn invest and develop them with resorts. No government investment is needed for the projects and today, Maldives has attracted tourists twice its population,’’ said the President.

He said the present tourist arrival in the country was a disappointing 3.7 million despite a variety of destinations available, and said a strategy should be worked out to increase the tourist arrivals to at least 15 million in five years, and 25 million in 10 years.