tourism authority act 2019

The Statue of Unity Area Development and Tourism Governance Act, 2019

Act 33 of 2019

Keyword(s): Amenities, Building Operations, Development Plan, Engineering Operations, Government Agency, Land, Notification, Occupier, Operational Construction, Statue of Unity , Tourism Development Area, Tourism Trade

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Acts of Gujarat Legislature and ordinances promulgated and Regulations made by the Governor.

_ The following.Act of the Gujarat Legislature, having been assented to by the Governor on the 19ft Decemb er,2019 is hereby published for general information. IC M. LALA, Secretary to the Government of Gujarat , Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Department.

GUJARAT ACT NO. 33 OF 2019. (First published, after having received the assent of the Governor, in the "Gujarat Government Gazette,,, on the 20ft Deeember,2019). AI\t ACT

to provide for development of the area and management of Tourism in and around the Statue of Unity at Kevadia in the State of Gujarat by providing necessary civic infrastricture through effective planning, administration, and the matters connected therewith and incidental thereto.

It is hereby enacted in the seventieth Year of the Republic of India as follows: - CHAPTER I PRELIMINARY

l. (1) This Act may be called the Statue Of Unity Area shorttige,extent Development and Tourism Governance Act, 2019" and commencement' (2) It shall extend to the Tourism development area as declared under section 3" (3) It shall come into force on such date as the State Govemment may, bynotification in the Official Gazette, appoint" IV Ex"34 34-1 34-2 GUJARAT GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, EX. 2O-12-2OI} I PART IV

Definitions. 2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires- (a) "amenities" means basic and essential services including but not limited to roads, bridges, bypasses and underpasses, drainage, water supply, power supply and electrical installations, collection- treatment- discharge and disposal of institutional and township waste, health, education, transport, disaster management, parks, green areas, gas pipeline, entertainment, hospitality, recreation, industry, townships and institutional areas and other facilities of conveniences and such other services as the souADTG Authoritv may specify; (b) "building operations" President's Act shall have the same meaning as is assigned No. 27 of 1976. to it under elause (vi) of section 2 of the Gujarat Town planning and Urban Development Act,I976; (c) "developer" means a person or entity with whom a concession agreement is entered into or a project has been awarded and for which such other agreement is entered into for furtherance of the objectives ofthis Act; President's Act (0 "development" shall have the surme meaning as is assigned to it No.27 of 1976. under clause (viii) of section2 of the Gujarat Town planning and Urban Development Act,l97 6. (e) "development plan" means a plan for the development or re- development or improvement of a Tourism development area; '"engineering 0 operations" shall have the same meaning as is President's Act assigned to No. 27 of 1976. it under clause (xi) of section 2 of the Gujarat Town Planning and Urban Development Act 1976; (g) "Govemment agency" means a Corporation or a Govemment company or a body owned or controlled by the State Govemment or an authority established by or under any State law and includes a local authority;

Presidentos Act (h) "land" shall have the same meaning as is assigned to it under No" 27 of 1976. clause (xiii) of section2 of the Gujarat Town planning and Urban Development Act,l976; 0 "local authority" means a municipality constituted or deemed to Guj.34 ofl964. be constituted under the Gujarat Municipalities Act, 1963, a committee appointed for a notified area under the Gujarat Guj" 18 of1993. Municipalities Act, 1963 or a panchayat constituted under the Gujarat Panchayats Act, 1993; 0 "Notification" means a notification published in the Officiat Gazette; (<) "Nuisance" includes any act of commission or omission or carrying on of any activity, process, operation including the operation of any machine which causes or is likely to cause injury, danger, or which is or may be dangerous to life or injurious to health or property or to any animal or plant; PART IV ] GUJARAT GOVERNN4EMT GAZETTE, EX. 20.12-2019 34-3

0 "occupier" includes, any person (t) who for the time being is pa,ving or is liable to pay to the owner the rent of the land or building in respect of which such rent is paid or is payable; (ii) an owner living in or otherwise using his land or buirding; (ut) a rent-free tenant; (iv) a licensee in occupation of any land or building; (v) any person who is liable to pay to the owner damages or compensation for the use and occupation of any land or building;

but, shall not include a person who on the date of commencement of this Act is in illegal possession of any land which has been acquired by the State Government or by any other authority and has vested in the State Government and shall not also include a person who has encroached upon such land; (m) "operational construction" shall have the same meaning as is President's assigned to it under clause (xvii) of section 2 of the Gujarat Town Act No. 27 of 1976" Planning and Urban Development Act,1976. (n) "owner", in relation to any property, includes any person who is, for the time being receiving or entitled to receive, whether on his own account or on account ofor on behalf,of or for the benefit of, any other person or as an agent, trustee, guardian, manager or receiver for any other person or for any religious or charitable institution, the rents or profits of the property; and also includes a mortgagee in possession thereof but shall not include any such person who on the date of commencement of this Act is in illegal possession of any land which has been acquired by the state Government or by any other authority and has vested in the state Government and shall also not include a person who has encroached upon such land; (o) "person" means and includes, an individual, an entity, a company, firrn, organization, association of persons, society, establishment, institution including Government agencies carrying on business or economic activity in the Tourism development area; (p) "prescribed" means prescribed by rules made under this Act; (q) "Prescribed Authority" means an Authority appointed under section 25; o "regulations" means a regulations made under section 54 and includes zoning and other regulations made as part of a development plan ortown pl ing scheme; 6) "rules" means rules made under seetion 53; o "Statue Of Unity" means the statue of Shri Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel , located at Kevadia, District: Na ada, Gujarat; 34-4 GUJARAT GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, EX. 2O-12-2OI} I PART IV

(u) "statue of unity Area Development and Tourism Governance Authority" means the authority constituted under section 4 or any Govemment agency or Government company designated as such under sub-section (4) ofsection 4; (v) "Tourism activity" means the activities and services including but not limited to industrial, manufacturing, oommercial, financial, processing, packaging, logistics, transport, tourism, hospitality, health, housing, entertainment, research and development, education and training, skill development, information and communication, management and consultancy, corporate offrces and the activities and services connected therewith or incidental thereto and other activities including the economic activities as the State Government may specify bV notification in the Officiat Gazette; (w) "Tourism development area" means the area declared under section 3; (x) "Tourism trade" means and includes facilities, service, activities orproducts relating to Tourism provided to a tourist in a premises b>r any person or travel agency regularly or occasionally within Tourism development area or otherwise; 0) "tourist guide" means the tourist guide appointed under section 30.

CHAPTER II DECLARATION OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AREA

Declaration of (1) The State Government, the purpose Tourism 3. for of securing planned development Tourism development and govemance in and around Kevadia, District area. Narmada and in the vicinity of Statue Of Unity, may, by notification in the Official Gazette, declare such area to be the Tourism development area. (2) Every notification issued under sub-section (1) shall define the limits of the area to which it relates. (3) The State Government may also, by notification in the Official Gazette, extend the Tourism development area as and when it deems fit.

CHAPTER III CONSTITUTION OF SOU TOURISM AUTHORITY

Constitution of 4" (1) As soon as may be after the declaration of a Tourism SOU Tourism Authority. development area under section 3, the State Government shall, by notification in the Official Gazette, constitute an authority for such area to be called the Statue Of Unity Area Development and Tourism PART IV GUJARAT GOVERNMEMT ] GAZETTE, EX,2O-12-2OI| 34-5

Governance Authority (hereinafter referred to as ,.sou rourism Authority") for such Tourism development area for the purpose of carrying out the functions assigned to it by or under this Act.

(2) The headquarters of the Sou rourism Authority shall be at Kevadia, District Narmada:

Provided that the State Government may, by notification in the official Gazette, specify any other place as the headquarters of the sou Towism Authority"

(3) (a) The sou rourism Authority shall consist of the following members, namely: -

(r) the Chairman to be appointed by the State Government;

(ii) the vice chainnan - Managing Director, Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited, ex-fficio; (nl) the vice chairman - Secretary / principal Secretary I Additional chief secretary of Urban Development Department, ex-fficio;

(rv) the Vice Chairman Secretary / principal Secretary I

Additional Chief Secretary (Narmada), ex-ffi c i o ; (v) the vice chairman- secretary / Principal secretary/ Additional Chief Secretary of Tourism Department , ex-fficio; (vi) the Member-Secretary - Managing Director of Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited, ex-fficio; (vii) the Secretary, Roads and Buildings Department, ex-fficio; (viii) the Joint Managing Director, Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Ltd", and Member-Secretary, Sardar Vallabhbhai patel

Rashtriya Ekta Trust (SVPRET), ex-ffi cio ; (x) the Chief Executive Officer - Chief Administrator - SOU. ex- fficio; (x) the Collector, Narmada District , ex-fficio; (-) the District Development Officer, Narmada District, ex- fficio; (xii) the Chief Town Planner, Gujarat., ex-fficio; (xiii) the Superintendent of Police, Narmada District, ex- fficio; (xiv) the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wild Life), ex- fficio; (>cv) the Deputy Conservator of Forest, Kevadia, ex-fficio; (xvi) the Chief Engineer (Dam and Vadodara ), Sardar Sarovar NarmadaNig Ltd,ex-fficio; (xvii) the Chief Engineer, Gujarat Water Supply and Sewerage Board, Surat , ex-fficio,. 34-6 GUJARAT GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, EX. 20-12-2019 I PART IV

(xviii) the chief Engineer, Daxin Gujarat vij company Ltd., surat, ex-fficio,.

(xrD tluee experts who possess experience and knowledge in area development or Tourism to be nominated by the State Government: (xx) President, District Panchayat, Narmada.

(b) The chairman shall have powers to co-opt the members, not exceeding three, in the sou rourism Authority subject to the rules as may be prescribed:

Provided that no such appointment shall be made except without the prior consultation with the State Government.

(c) The terms and conditibns of service of the members so co-opted shall be as may be determined by the State Government.

(a) The State Government may, instead of constituting the Sou rourism Authority, designate any Government agency or Government company as the sou rourism Authority and empower it to exercise in part or all the powers to enable it to perform the functions by or under this Act.

Term of office 5. (1) The term of office, conditions of service and powers and and conditions functions of the Chairman, Vice- Chairrnan, the Member-Secretary, the of service of members. chief Executive officer and members appointed under sub-clause (xix) of clause (a) of sub.section (3) of section 4 of the SOU Tourism Authority shall be such as may be prescribed.

(2) The Chairman, the Vice-Chairman and the members of the Sou rourism Authority other than ex-fficio members shall hold office during the pleasure of the State Government.

(3) The conditions of service of the members of the SOU Tourism Authority other than ex-fficio members shall be such as may be'prescribed and such members shall be entitled to receive such remuneration or allowances or both as the State Government may by order determine.

(4) (a) If the State Government is of opinion that any member. of SOU Tourism Authority is guilty of misconduct in the discharge of his duties or is incompetent or has become incapable of performing his duties as such member, or should for any other good and sufficient reasons, be removed, the State Government may, after giving him an opportunity to be heard, remove him from office.

(b) Any member of the SOU Tourism Authority other thanan ex- fficio member may at any time resign his office by writing under his hand addressed to the State Government and upon the acceptance thereof, the office of such member shall become vacant. PART IV GUJARAT ] GOVE N{ENIT GAZETTE ,EX.2O-I2.2OII 34-7

6" (1) The SOU Tourism Authority shall meet at such time and at Meetingorsou such place as the Chairman may determine: Tourism Authority and transaction of Provided that the procedure with regard to transaction of business at ;;;;;..r. its meetings including quomm at such meeting shall be such as may be laid down by the soU Tourism Authority in consultation with the State Government.

(2) The sou rourism Authority sharl meet at least once in everV guafter. (3) The appointment, remuneration, allowances and conditions of services of the officers and employees of Sou rourism Authority shall be such as may be prescribed by regulations"

7" (1) The SOU Tourism Authority may constitute an Executive constitution of committee and such other committees consisting of members not committees- exceeding six in numbers, for the performance of its functions as may be detennined by it. (2) The terms and conditions of any of the committees constituted under sub-section (t) shall be as may be determined by the SOU Tourism Authority.

8. No act or proceedings of the SOU Tourism Authority and any of its vatidity of acts committees shall be invalid or vitiated merely by reason of - ;l3d[,"i:'"t',:tr (a) a vacancy therein or any defect in the constitution thereof or l"HT,?13:' (b) an irregularity in its procedure not affecting the merits of the case.

CIIAPTER IV POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF'SOU TOURISM AUTHORITY

9" (1) The SOU Tourism' Authority shall secure planned powersand development orsou of the Tourism development area and take steps to provide i"J"t:ffi basic infrastructure and measures for effective management thereof. Auurority"

(2) The SOU Tourism Authority shall, in particular, exercise the following powers and perform the following frrnctions namely: -

(D to engage or assist or promote necessary facilities for tourists;

(ii) to establish, maintain and operate services connected with the Tourism industry and to coordinate the activities of the persons providing sueh services for tourists; 34-8 GUJARAT GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, EX. 2O-T2-2OII I PART IV

(iiD to prescribe, regulate, maintain and enforce the standards to be maintained by the different persons engaged in Tourism trade and Tourism activity;

(iv) to acquire hereinafter by sale, take on lease, hire, pledge or otherwise, grant, allocation, donation, town planning scheme, consent agreement or through proceedings under the Right to Fair compensation 30 of 2013. and Transparency in Land Acquisition; Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, hold or manage any moveable or immoveable property as it may deem necessary subject to general or specific directions ofthe State Govemment in this behalf;

(v) to sale, lease, transfer or dispose of any land or building belonging to it subject to the regulations made by the State Govemment;

(vi) to enter into contracts, agreements or concession agreement with any person, entity, developer or organization as it may deem necessary for performing its functions;

(vii) to undertake preparation and execution of development plan for whole or part of the area of the Tourism development area; (viii) to undertake preparation and execution of town planning scheme for whole or part of the Tourism development area;

(ix) to make general or specific regulations or issue directions to fix so as to implement the standards and the norms for building structures, infrastructure development, aesthetics and other construction activities ;

(x) to remove encroachments from Tourism development area and constructions therefrom not duly authorized or made in violation of the regulations, directions and norms laid down;

(xi) to control the development activities in accordance with the development plan and to bring aesthetics, efficiency and economy in the process of development;

(xii) to ensure and make provision for sufhcient civic amenities including drainage and services including hospitals and medical services, schools, fire services, public parks, markets and shopping places, play grounds, entertainment areas and disposal of waste.

(xiii) to make sustainable anangements for providing and maintaining the highest standards in civic amenities such as water supply, sewerage, power supply, transportation, communication, infrastructure and services particularly for cleanliness, aesthetics, health, hygiene, etc. PART IV GUJARAT ] GOVERNMEN4T GAZETTE, E)^. 20 -12-2A19 34-9

. (xiv) to provide for disaster management and mitigation;

(xv) to levy and collect such t"ees, development charges, or user charges as may be fixed by the State Govemment;

(xvi) to exercise such other powers and discharge such other functions for proper planning, management and development of the Tourism development area, the sou rourism Authority may issue such directions or ins ctions as it may consider necessary to any person, unit, entity, developer or any other stakeholder.

(xvii) to exercise such other powers and discharge such other functions as may be prescribed by rules or regulations.

(xviii) to appoint directly by contractual appointment / deputation/ outsourcing or in any other manner the staff for carrying out vilrious functions and duties specified by the Act and determine remuneration thereof.

(xix) to exeroise such other powers and perform such other functions as are incidental or consequential to any of the foregoing powers and functions or as may be directed by the State Government.

(3) On receipt of the proposal from the SOU Tourism Authority or otherwise, the State Govemment may, by notification in the officiat Gazette, delegate any of the powers and functions of the SoU Tourism Authority to the local authority or authorities or an officer within its jurisdiction.

(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in the relevant State Acts, rules or any existing instructions of the State Government, the provisions made under clause (iv) of sub-section (2) shall prevail.

CHAPTER V TOWN PLANNING

10" (l) The provisions of the Gujarat Town Planning and Urban Application of President's Act Development Act, 1976, shall mutatis mutan , apply with respect No. 27 of 1976" to the Development Plans and to the Town Planning Schemes made under this Act"

(2) The SOU Tourism Authority shall be The "Appropriate Authority" for the Tourism development area for the purposes of sub- seetion (1). 34-10 GUJARAT GOVERNN4ENT GAZETTE, EX. 2O-T2-20T9 I PART IV

CHAPTER VI CONTROL, REGULATION AND DEVELOPMENT IN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AREA

Restriction on 11. development (1) on or after the date on which the Sou rourism,A,uthority is after publication constituted, no person shall carry on any development in any building or of draft development in or over any land, within the limits of the said Tourism development plan. area without the permission in writing of the Sou rourism Authority:

Provided that no such permission shall be nec.essary, -

(D in respect of any work which is being canied on by the state Government on the date of commencement of this Act; (ii) for any work being carried on for the maintenance, improvement or other alteration of any building and which affect only the interior of the building or which does not materially affect the external appearance thereof; (iii) for the carrying out of- (a) any operational construction undertaken by the Central Government or a State Government; (b) any work for the purpose of inspecting, repairing or renewing any drains, sewers, mains, pipes, cables, telephone or other apparatus or the breaking open of any street or other land for such purpose;

(iv) for any excavation, including excavation of wells made in the ordinary course ofan agricultural operation;

(v) for the construction of a road intended to give access to land solely for agricultural purposes;

(vi) for the normal use of land which has been used temporarily for other purposes;

(vii) in case of land normally used for one purpose and occasionally used for any other purpose, for the use of land for that other pu{pose;

(viii) for any purpose incidental to the use of a building for human habitation or any other building or land attached to such building.

Application of 12. Any person, not being the Central Government or a State permission for Govemment, intending to carry out any development in any building or development. in or over any land within the limits of a Tourism development area shall, make an application in writing to the SOU Tourism Authority for permission for such development in such form and containing such particulars and accompanied by such documents as may be determined by regulations" PART IV GUJARAT ] GOVERNMEIMT GAZETTE, EI*.2O-I2.2ATI 34-l I

13" (l) Any person not being the Central Government or a State Permission for Government, intending to retain any use of building or work constructed retention or or carried out on any land, or to eontinue continuance of any use of any p icular land, use of any before the date on which a final development plan comes into force, building or work or any use of ich is not in conformity the provisions with of the regulations or the land. final developmont plan, shall make an application in writing to the SOU Tourism Authority for permission to retain or continue such use, containing sueh particulars and accompanied by sueh documents and such fees as may be determined by regulations, within six months from the date on which the final development plan in respect of such Tourism development area comes into force.

(2) On and after the date on which the said period of six months expires, no person shall retain or eontinue any such use of building or work or land, without such permission having been obtained or contrary to the terms thereof:

Provided that where such person has applied under sub- section (l) within period of six months and no order has been made within a period of six months after the receipt of the application under said sub- section (1), he shall retain or eontinue such use until the date of such order.

14. (1) On receipt of an application under section 12 or section 13, Grantorrefusal the SOU Tourism Authority shall fumish the applicant with a written orpermission. acknowledgement of its receipt and after satisfuing itself that the development charge, if any, payable by the applicant has been paid and after making such inquiry as it thinks fit may, subject to the provisions of this Act, by order in writing-

(i) grant the permission with or without any condition; or (iD grant the permission, subject to any general or special orders made by the State Government in this behalf; or (iii) refuse to grant the permission"

(2) Any permission under sub-section (l) shall be granted in the prescribed form and every order granting permission subject to conditions or refusing permission shall state the grounds for imposing such conditions or for such refusal"

(3) Every order made under sub-section (l) shall be communicated to the applicant in the manner prescribed by regulations" (4) If the SOU Tourism Authori fails to communicate its order to the applicant within three months from the date of receipt of the application, sueh permission shall be deemed to have been granted to the applicant on the expiry of the said,period of three mo s. 34_r2 GUJARAT GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, EX. 2O-12-2OI} I PART IV

Unauthorized 15" (l) If any person carries on any development construction. work or retains the use of any building or work or continues the use of land in contravention of

work or to discontinue any use and may, after making an inquiry in the prescribed manner, remove or pull down any building or work carried out and restore the land to al condition or, as the case may be, take any measures to stop s

(2) Any expenses incurred by the sou rourism Authority under sub-section (1) shall be a sum due to the SoU Tourism Authority under this Act from the person in default.

Obligation to 16. (l) where permission for the retention or continuance purchase land on or refusal of retention of use of building or work or land of the kind referred to in permission or section 13 is refused or is granted subject to any conditions, grant of then, ifany permission in owner of the land claims certain cases" (a) in a case where such permission is refused on the ground that the land in question has ' become incapable of reasonable beneficial use in its existing state, O in a case where permission is granted subject to conditions, due to which the land has become incapable of reasonable beneficial use by carrying out the conditions of the permission,

he may, within the time and in the manner determined by regulations, serve on the soU Tourism Authority a notice (herein after referred to as a pwchase notiee) requiring the SoU Tourism Authority to purchase his interest in the land in accordance with the provisions of this section" (2) Where a purchase notice is served on the SOU Tourism Authority under sub-section (l), the SOU Tourism Authority shall forthwith transmit a copy of the notice to the State Government and the State Government shall, if satisfied, confirm the notice and thereupon the SOU Tourism Authority shall be deemed to be authorized to acquire the interest of the owner in accordance with the provisions of this Act, and shall serve on the owner a notice for acquiring his interest in such land on such date as the State Government may direct. (3) If the State Government does not confirm the purchase notice, within the period of six months from the date on which the purchaser has served notice under sub-section (1), the notice shall be deemed to have been confinned at the expiration of that period and the SOU Tourism Authority on which the notice was served shall be deemed to be authorized to acquire the interest of the owner. PART IV GUJARAT GOVERNMEMT ] GAZETTE ,EX,2O-T2-2OII 34-13

lT.Every permission granted or deemed to have been granted under Lapse of section 14 shall remain in force for a period of one year from the date of permission. such grant and thereafter it shali lapse:

Provided that, the SoU To sm Authority may, on an application from time to time, extend such period by a fuither period not exceeding one year at a time, so however, that the extended period shall in no case exceed three years in the aggregate:

Provided further that the lapse of the permission as afloresaid shall not bar any subsequent lication for fresh permission under this Act.

18. (1) If it appears to the SOU Tourism Authority that it is necessary Power of or expedient, having regard to the development plan that may have been revocation and prepared or may be under preparation or having regard to any variation modification of permission made in the final development plan that any permission granted under to development. section 14 should be revoked or modified, the SOU Tourism Authority may, after giving the person concerned an opportunity of being heard, by an order, revoke or modiff the permission to such extent as appears to it to be necessary :

Provided that where the permission relates to the carrying out of any building or other operation, in or over any land, no sueh order shall affect such of the operations as may have already been carried out in pursuance of the permission and no such order shall be passed after such operations have substantially progressed or have been completed. (2) Where any permission is revoked or modified by an order made under sub-section (1) and any owner claims, within the time and in the manner as may be prescribed, compensation for the expenditure incurred in carrying out any development in accordance with such pe ission which has been rendered abortive by the revocation or modification, the SOU Tourism Authority shall, after giving the owner a reasonable opportunity of being heard, assess and offer such compensation to the owner as it thinks fit. (3) If the compensation as offered under sub-section (2) is not acceptable to the owner, he may prefer an appeal before the District Judge within a period of three months from the date of such order: Provided that no such appeal shall be entertained if not made within the stipulated time limit.

19. (1) Any person who, whether at his own instance or at the Penalty for unauthorized instance of any other person, oofitmences, undertakes or carries out development or development- use or continuance or (a) without any applieation for permission required under retention of the use without section 12; permission. 34-14 GUJARAT GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, EX. 2O-12-2OI} I PART IV

(b) which is not in accordance with any permission granted under section 13 or section 14 or is in contravention ofany condition subject to which such permission has been granted;

(c) after such permission has been duly revoked; or (d) in contravention of any modification made in such permission,

shall, on conviction, be punished with fine which may extend to fifty thousand rupees, and in the case of a continuing offence with a further fine whieh may extend to five thousand rupees for each day during which the offence continues after conviction for the first offence"

(2) Any person who continues to use or allows the use of any land or building or work in contravention of the provisions of a development plan or being allowed to do so under section 14 or where the continuance of such use has been allowed under that section, continues such use after the period for which the use has been allowed, or does not comply with the terms and conditions under which the continuance of such use is allowed, shall, on conviction, be punished with frne which may extend to fifty thousand rupees and in the case of a continuing offence, with a further fine which may extend to five thousand rupees for each day during which such offence continues after conviction for the first offence.

Power to require 20. (1) Where any development has been carried out in any of the removal of unauthorized circumstances referred to in sub- section (l) of section 19, or any use of developnent or land or building or work is continued so as to constitute an offence use. punishable under sub-section (2) of section 19, the SOU Tourism Authority may, subject to the provisions of this section, within three years of such development, or continuance of use so made, serve on the owner a notice requiring him, within such period, being not less than one month as may be specified therein, after the service of the notice,- (a) to restore the land or building to its condition existing before the said development took place, in cases specified in clause (a) or clause (c) ofsub-section (1) ofsection 19; (b) to secure compliance with the conditions or with the permissions as modified, as the case may be, in cases specified in clause (b) or clause (d) of sub-section (1) of sectionl9; (c) to discontinue such use of building or land or work:

Provided that where the notice requires the discontinuance of any use of land or building, the SOU Tourism Authority shall also serve a notice on the occupier" PART IV GUJARAT GOVERNMEMT ] GAZETTE, EX. 20-12-2019 34-1s

(2) The notice under sub-section (l) may include the following, namely: *

(a) the demorition or alteration of any building or work; (b) the carrying out on land of any building or other operauons.

(4) The soU Tourism Authority, after considering the representation and, if it deems fit, after providing an opportunity of being heard, may withdraw the notice fully or to the extent in respect of any of the matters specified therein:

compliance of the matters which have not been withdrawn.

(5) In case where the owner acts in breach of the provisions of sub- section (l) or in breach of the provisions of sub-section (4), as the case may be, the SoU Tourism Authority may pass an appropriate order,- (a) to discontinue of any use of land or building made in contravention of the notice;

(b) to demolish or alter any building or work or other operations, and recover the amount of any expenses incurred by it in this behalf from the owner as an arrear of land revenue, where the notice requires for demolition or alteration of any building or work or the carrying out of any construction or other operations, for the purpose of the restoration of the building to its condition before the development took place and secure compliance with the conditions of the permission or with the permission.

(6) Whoever, contravenes clause (a) of sub-section (5) shall, on conviction, be punished with fine which may extend to fifty thousand rupees, and in the case of a continuing offence, with a further fine which may extend to one thousand rupees for each day during which such offence continues after conviction for the first offence.

2L" Q) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Chapter, where Removal of any person has canied out any development of a temporary nature in any unauthorized. temporary of the oircumstances referred to in sub-section (1) of section 20, so as to development constitute an offence punishable under that section, the Sou rourism summarily. Authority may, by an order in iting, direct such person to remove any structure or work erected within fifteen days of the receipt of such order, and if thereafter, the person does not comply with the said order, the Sou 34-16 GUJARAT GOVERNI\4ENT GAZETTE, EX. 2O-12-2OT} I PART IV

Tourism Authority may direct the superintendent of police, Narmada District to have such structure or work summarily removed without any notice and thereupon any such structure or work shall be summarilv removed.

(2) The decision of the sou rourism Authority on the question as to what is development of a temporary nature shall be final.

Recovery of 22" Any expenses incurred by the Sou rourism Authority under section exPenses 20 or section 21 shall be a.sum due to the Sou rourism Authority under incurred. this Act from the person in default or the owner of the land or the building.

Development 23. (l) where any Department of the central Govemment or a State under taken on Government intends behalf of to carry out development of any land for any Government and purpose of the Government or for carrying out any operational SOU Tourism construction, Authority. it shall inform in writing the SoU Tourism Authority of its intention to do so, giving full particulars thereo! and accompanied by such documents and plans as may be prescribed at least thirty days before undertaking such development or construction.

(2) Where the SOU Tourism Authority raises any objection to the proposed development on the ground that such development is not in conformity with the provisions either of any development plan under preparation, or development plan already sanctioned, or of any building bye-laws in force for the time being, or for any other material consideration, the Department shall- (i) either make necessary modifications in the proposals for development to meet the objections raised by the SOU Tourism Authority; or (i1) submit the proposals for development together with the objections raised by the SOU Tourism Authority to the State Govemment for decision. (3) The State Government on receipt of the proposals foi development together with the objections of the SOU Tourism Authority shall, either approve the proposals with or without modifications or direct the department to make such modifications in the proposals as it considers necessary in the circumstances" (4) Where the SOU Tourism Authority intends to carry out development of land for its owrr purpose in the exercise of its powers under any law for the time being in force, such development shall be in conformity with the development plan and of the bye-laws or regulations relating to construction of buildings. (5) The provisions of sections 12, 13 and 14 shall not apply to developments carried out under this section. PART IV GUJARAT ] GOVERNMEMT GAZETTE, EX,2O-12-2OII 34-17

CHAPTER VII TOURISM AREA PROTECTION AND MAINTENANCE

24" (l) The District Police shall assist the officers or any other District police persons authorized to discharge any of the provisions for enforcement to assist SOU of Tourism this Act particularry in respect of the following, namely:- Authority. (i) for the better protection and security of the public property within the Tourism development area including prevention of encroachments and removal thereof;

(ii) for aiding the officers of the SOU Tourism Authority in the detection and investigation of any matter relating to leakage of revenue or any amount payable to the SOU Tourism Authority;

(iii) for effective communication and obtaining of any information regarding any design to commit or the commission of any offence by any person under this Act or any rules or regulations made thereunder;

(iv) to exercise such other powers and discharge such other functions as may be prescribed. (2) Notwithstanding anything contained inthe Gujarat Police Act Bom. XXII 1951, the prescribed authority, for the purposes of sub-section (1) shall of 1951. have power of superintendence over the police.

25. The State Government may, by notification in Official Gazette, Appointment . ofPrescribed appoint any officer to be a Prescribed Authority ror tne I ounsm Authoritv. development area.

26. Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time Preventioh being in force, or any instrument, contract or usage or any order, of nuisance. judgment or decree of any court, no person, company, association or firm or any other body shall cause any nuisance within the Tourism development area.

27" (l) The Prescribed Authority, either on its own motion or upon a Power of complaint received or upon reference made to him, may, by an order in Frescribed writing and Authority to without giving any prior notice, prohibit any nuisance being prohibit caused or prevent any such activity, process, operation being c ied out, nuisance" if in his opinion, the s e has damaged or deteriorated or is likely to damage or affect adversely to tourism potentiality of the Tourism development area, and pass such interim orders as it deems fit. 34-1 8 GUJARAT GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, EX. 20-T2-2019 I PART IV

Notice prescribed for (2) If, in the opinion of the Authority, despite the removing the actions taken by him under sub- nuisance. section (1) a nuisance is continued, he shall issue notice to the person responsibre for such nuisance to remove such nuisance forthwith. Object of nuisance shall (3) If the concemed person fails to comply with the directions stand forfeited under sub-section (l), the material thing or object of nuisance shall stand and vested in the Government. forfeited and vested in the State Government.

Expenses and (4) The expenses and costs incurred, if any, in removing or costs for abating such nuisance, shall be recovered removing the as an iurear of land revenue nuisance. frorn the person who has caused such nuisance.

Dealing with the (5) Any property, thing, material or object, which is a nuisance property of under this Act, may be disposed of or dealt with by the State Government n u isance. in the manner as it may deem fit.

Offences and (6) Whoever causes the nuisance or abets the same or fails to penalties. comply with any order or directions given under this section, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one month or with fine which may extend to fifty thousand rupees or both.

(7) Any offence committed under sub-section (6) shall be cognizable and non-bailable.

Prohibition of 28. (1) No person shall, within the Tourism development area certain activities in commit or cause to commit or attempt to commit any act of touting or Tourism malpractice against any tourist or engage in begging or in unauthoized, development area. hawking at any tourist destination and shall be dispersed by any personnel authorized by the SOU Tourism Authority; (2) Whoever contravenes the provisions of sub-section (l) shall, on conviction, be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one month or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees or with both.

CHAPTER VIII LICENSING, REGISTRATION, RECOGNITION AND GRADING OF TOURISM TRADE RELATED ACTIVITIES

Registration, 29.The SOU Tourism Authority shall regulate every category of tourism Recognition trade in the tourism development area by registering, recognition and and Grading. grading in accordance with the procedures as determined by SOU Tourism Authority. PART IV ] GUJARAT GOVERNMEMT GAZETTE, EX.2O.T2.2O1I 34-Ig

30. (1) The sou Tourism Authority ffiBy, for the Tourism Appointmenr developrnent area, from time to time, appoint as many tourist guides as required $fr;ff: and speeify their functions" ticensing.

(2) The sou rourism Authority shall appoint the tourist guides in the manner as may be determined by it.

(3) The SoU Tourism Authority shall issue necessary license to the tourist guides containing therein the terms and conditions of such license.

(4) It shall be competent for the SoU Tourism Authority to cancel the licenses of any tourist guide if he breaches any of the terms and conditions of the licenses.

(5) No person having not been granted the lieense, shall act as a tourist guide.

(6) whoever acts as a tourist guide without having the license, shall, on conviction, be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to one month.

CHAPTER IX SOU TOURISM AUTHORITY TO BE AN II\DUSTRIAL TOWNSHIP

31. (l) The State Government may, having regard to the proviso to SoU Tourism clause (l) of article 243Q of the constitution of India consider the f.u:lo'ntto Tourism development area to be an industrial township, and may by rndustrial Township" notification, declare the Tourism development area to be a notified area: Provided that, the State Government may, while declaring the notified area, include or exclude the village site area (gamtal) of a village Panchayat or Municipal area. (2) The provisions of sections 2648 and 264C of the Gujarat Guj.34 of Municipalities Act, 1963 shall be applicable in case the Tourism rs6E" development area is declared as notified area under sub-section (l)"

CHAPTER F'INANCE, ACCOUNTS AND ANNUAL REPORTS OF SOU TOURISM AUTHORITY

32. (1) The SOU Tourism Authority shall establish a fund to be Fundsorsou called the "SOU Authority fund". Tourism Authoritv" (2) The following shall form part of; or be paid in to, the fund. 34-20 GUJARAT GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, EX. 2O-12-2OI} I PART IV

(a) all money received by the Sou rourism authority by way of grants, loans, advances, fees, development charges or otherwise;

(b) all money derived from its undertakings, projects and other sources; (c) bequests, donations, ifany.

(d) all money received by the SoU Tourism Authority in any other manner or from any other source. (3) The tund of the Sou rourism Authority shall be applied towards the expenses of the authority including expenses incurred in the exercise of its powers and discharge of its functions and for achieving the objects of this Act (4) The SOU Tourism Authority fund shall be kept in any scheduled Bank as defined in the Reserve Bank 2 nf 1934. of India Act, 1934 or in any bank authorized by the State Government in this behalf or invested in such manner as may be prescribed.

(5) The State Government may make such grants, advances and loans to SOU Tourism Authority as the State Government may deem necessary for the performance of its functions under this Act on such terms and conditions as the State Government may determine.

Power of 33. The SOU Tourism Authority may, from time to time, borrow for such authority to period and upon such terms, as the State Govemment may approvo, boirow ily money. sum of money necessary for the purpose of achieving the objects of this Act.

Recovery of 34. (1) Any sum due to the SOU Tourism Authority under this Act arrears. shall be a first charge on the plot on which it is due, subject to the prior payment of land revenue, if any, due to the State Government thereon" (2) It shall be competent for the SOU Tourism Authority to recover any sum due to it which is not paid on demand on the day on which it becomes due oron the day fixed by the SOU Tourism Authority by way of distress and sale of the goods and chattel of the defaulter, as if the amount thereof were a property tax due by the said defaulter.

Accounts and 35. (1) The SOU Tourism Authority shall maintain proper accounts Audit. and other records and prepare an annual statement of accounts, including the income and expenditure accounts and the balance sheet, in such form and in such manner as may be prescribed and shall forward to the State Govemment. PART IV GUJ.ARAT I GOVERNI'IEMT GAZETTE"EX.20-12-2019 34-21 (2) The accounts of the Authority shall be audited every year by and auditor who shall be a Chartered Aceountant as defined in Chartered 38 of 1949. Accountant Act, L949 or a firm of Chartered Accountants to be appointed by the authority.

36' (1) The SOU Tourism Authority shall during eaeh financial year, Annual Report. prepare an annual report giving a true and full account of its activities ing the previous financial year and an account of the activities likely to be undertaken by it in current financial year and submit it to the State Govemment.

Q The State Govemment shall cause every such report along with the audited annual accounts for the year to be laid before the State Legislature as soon as may be after the receipt of the report under sub- section (l).

37" The SOU Tourism shall provide to its employees the benefits of EpF scheme applicable under the prevailing law" Provident fund. CHAPTER XI MISCELLANEOUS

38. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or in any Effect with other law for the time being in force, no person shall have any right or respect to land right any claim over any land which has been acquired by the State Government or by any Government agency prior to coming into force of this Act within the Tourism Development area and had vested in it, (2) It shall be competent for the State Government to remove anv person from the land referred to in sub-section (1).

39. (1) Any person who is engaged in any Tourism aetivity or Information Tourism trade within the Tourism development area shall get himself on Tourism. registered before the SOU Tourism Authority in the manner as may be determined by it"

(2) The SOU Tourism Authority shall maintain information of all registrations made under sub-section (1) in the marurer as may be determined bv it.

40. It shall be competent for the State Government, if it eonsiders it Power of State Government to necessary to do so, to appoint any employee of the State Government to appoint its any offiee or post under the SOU Tourism Authority upon sueh terms employees to and conditions as the State Govemment may determine. any office or post under development authority. 34-22 GUJARAT GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, EX. 2O.T2.2OT} [PART IV

State 41. (i) If in the opinion of the Government or state Goverrment, the SoU Tourism person Authority is not competent to exercise or perform, or neglects or fails to appointed by it exercise or perform, any power conferred may exercise or duty imposed upon it under powers, perform any of the provisions of this Act, the State Government or a person or duty conferred persons appointed in this behalf by or imposed on the State Government rnay exercise SOU Tourism such power or perform such duty. Authority and disbursement of (2) Any expenses incurred by the Stat€ Government or by such expense in person or persons in exercising such power certain or performing such duty shall circumstances. be paid out of the fund of the SoU Tourism Authority and the State Government may make an order directing any person who for the time being has custody of any such funds to pay such expenses from such fund and such person shall be bound to comply with such order.

Power of entry. 42- (l) For the discharge of duties and functions cast under this Act any person authorized by Sou Tourism Authority or any other person authorized by the State Govemment or any authority shall be authorized to enter into or upon any land or building with or without assistance: Provided that- (i) no such entry shall be made except between the hours of sunnse and sunset or without giving its occupier at least 24 hours'notice in writing of the intention to enter in the case of any building used as a dwelling house or in the land wherein such building exists;

(ii) suffrcient opportunity shall be given to enable a woman to withdraw from such land or building; (iii) due regard shall always be had to the social and religious usages of the occupants of the land or building entered. (2) Any person who obstructs the entry of a person empowered or authorised under this section to enter into or upon any land or building shall on conviction, be punishable with imprisonrnent for a term wfiich may extend to one year or with fine which may extend to fifty thousand rupees or with both.

43. (1) All documents including notices and orders required by this Service of Act or any rules or regulations made thereunder to be served upon any notice, etc. person shall, save as otherwise provided in this Act or rules or regulations, be deemed to be duly served, - (a) where the document is to be served on a Government department, railway, local authority, statutory authority, company, corporation, society or other body, if the document is addressed to the head of the Govemment department, General Manager of the railway, secretary or principal officer of the local authority, statutory authority, PART IV GUJARAT ] GOVERNMEN,IT ZETTE"EX" 2A-12-2OT| 34-23

company, corporation, society or other body at its principal or branch office, or the local or registered offiee, as the case may be, and is either- (D sent by registered post to such office, or (ii) delivered at such office:

addressed at its principal place of business, identi$ing it by the name or style under which its business is carried on and is either- (i) sent by registered post to such place ofbusiness, or (iD delivered at the said place of business; and (c) where any document is to be served on the o er or occupier or in any other case, if the document is addressed to the person to be served and-

(i) is given or tendered to him, or

(ii) if such person cannot be found, is affrxed on some conspicuous part of his last known place of residence or business, or is given or tendered to some adult member of his family or is affixed on some conspicuous part of the land or building to which it relates, or

(iii) is sent by registered post to that person. (2) where a document is to be served on a partnership firm in accordance with this section, the document shall be deemed to be served on each partner"

(3) Where the person on whom a document is to be served is a minor, then service upon his guardian or any adult member of his family shall be deemed to be the valid service upon the minor.

44. Every public notice given under this Act shaltr be in iting and shall Public notice be widely circulated in,the locality to be affected thereby by affixing how to be made known. copies thereof in conspicuous public places within the said locality and by advertisement in one or more loeal newspapers.

45" where any notice, order or other document issued or made under this Reasonable Act requires anything to be done for which no time is fixed, the notice, time for notice. order or other document shall specify a reasonable time for processing the same"

46. (1) If the person committing an offence under this Act is a Offence by company, every person, who at the time the offence was committed was eompanies" in charge of and was responsible to the company for the conduct of the business of the company, as well as the company, shall be deemed to be guilty of the offence and shall be tiable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly: 34-24 GUJARAT GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, EX. 2O-T2-2OT} IPART IV

Provided that, nothing contained above shall render any such person liable to any punishment provided in this Act, if he proves that the offence was committed without his knowledge or that he exercised all due diligence to prevent the commission of such offence. (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (l), where an offence under this Act has been committed by a company and it is proved that the offence has been committed with the consent or connivance, of or is attributable to any neglect on the part of,. any director, manager, secretary or other officer of the company, such director, manager, secretary or other officer shall also be deemed to be guilty of that offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly :

Explanatioz. - For the purposes of this section-

(a) "company" means any corporate body and includes a firm or other association of individuals; and

(b) "director" in relation to a firm means a partner in the firm.

Elfect of other 47. (l) Save as otherwise provided in this Act, the provisions of this laws. Act shall have effect notwithstanding anything inconsistent therewith contained in any other State laws for the time being in force. (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, when permission for such development has not been obtained under this Act, such development shall not be deemed to be lawfully undertaken or carried out by reason only of the fact that permission, approval or sanction required under such other law for such development has been obtained.

Application of 48. In respect of the land which is included in the scheme provisions of sanctioned under the provisions of the Gujarat Town Plaruring and Urban Fresident's Act section 65 of No. 27 of 1976" Gujarat Land Development Act, 1976, the provisions of the Gujarat Land Revenue Bom. V 1879. Revenue Code" Code, 1879, in so far as obtaining the permission of the Collector for the of 1879. use of the agricultural land into any non-agriculture purpose is concerned, shall be applicable as per general or specific orders of the State Government made in this behalf.

Land deemed to 49.Land needed for the purposes of a town planning scheme, be for public development plan or an infrastructure project under this Act shall be purpose. deemed to be the land needed for public purpose within the meaning of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in I and Acquisition, 30 of2013. Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act. 2013. PART IV ] GUJARAT GOVERNMEMT GAZETTE, EX, 2A -12-20 Lg 34-25

50. All members, officers, and emproyees of the sou rourism l\{embers, officers and employees to be public servants. the rule made 45 of 1860. thereunder, be deem be public servants g of section 2l of the Indian Code.

Protection of aetion taken in good faith"

52" (1) The State Government may issue directions to the SoU Power of State Tor.uism Authorily for carrying out the purposes of this Act and the Government to give authority shall follow such direotions. directions.

@ while exercising its powers and discharging of its functions by SoU Tourism Authority under this Act, if any dispute arises between the authority and the State Govemment, the decision of the State Govemment on such disputes shall be final.

53. (1) The State Govemment may, by notification in the official Power of State Gozette, make rules to carry out the purposes of this Act. Government to make rules. (2) All rules made under this section shall be raid for not less than thirty days before the State Legislatwe as soon as possible after they are made and shall be subject to such modifications as the legislature may make during the session in which they are so laid or the session immediately following.

54. The sou Tourism Authority may make regulations not inconsistent Power of SOU with the provisions of this Act and the rules made thereunder to carry out Tourism Authority to the purposes of this Act and for enabling it to discharge its functions make under this Act. regulations"

55. any (1) If difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Power of State Act, the State Government may, by order published in the Official Government to remove Gazette, make such provisions not inconsistent with the provisions ofthis difficulties" Act, as appeils to be necessary or expedient for removing the difficulty: Provided that no order under sub-section (l) shall be made after the expiry of two years from the date of commencement of this Act.

(2) Every order made under this section shall be laid. as soon as may be after it is made, before the State Legislature.

Tourism Act

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Sri Lanka Tourism Strategic Plane 2017 - 2020

English Application

Sinhala application, tamil application, tourism act.

The Tourism Act No 38 of 2005   came into effect in October 2007. With the circulation of the new Tourism Act, the Sri Lanka Tourist Board Act No 10 of 1966, which was in effect for the past 41 years, was replaced. In terms of the provisions contained in the new act, the Tourism Development Fund was legally constituted, with 2 main sources remitting finances to the fund. By way of 1/3 of the Airport Tax collections and 1% of the Turnover of all Sri Lanka Tourist Board registered establishments. The Act provided for the setting up of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, thereby replacing the Sri Lanka Tourist Board.

Marketing and promotion are handled by the Tourism Promotion Bureau. Tourism HRD functions and the Hotels School operations are undertaken by the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management. The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau was also restructured as a statutory body like other Institutions to be managed by an independent Board of Management.

The objectives of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority as specified in the Sri Lanka Tourism Act No.38 of 2005 is as follows;

Develop Sri Lanka as a tourist and travel destination both in Sri Lanka and abroad.

Advise the Minister in charge of the subject Tourism on matters relating to travel and the tourism industry, within the policy formulated by Cabinet of Ministers, in relation to this sector;

Provide guidance to the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau to develop, promote and market Sri Lanka as a tourist and travel destination both in Sri Lanka and abroad;

Provide guidance to the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management to undertake human resource training and development activities;

Work towards the enhancement of the tourism and travel sectors in order to secure a contribution for the expansion and development of the Sri Lanka economy;

Develop and promote adequate, attractive and efficient tourist services, inclusive of the hospitality industry in a sustainable manner;

License and accredit tourist enterprises in order to develop, enforce and maintain locally and internationally accepted standards in relation to the tourism industry and other related industries;

Encourage persons or bodies of persons in the private sector to participate in the promotion of the tourism industry and the promotional and training activities connected with such industry;

Do all such other acts as may be necessary or conducive to the attainment of all or any of the above objectives.

The new Tourism Boards set up under the new Tourism Act are

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau

The Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management

The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau

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Tourism Act and Regulations Are To Develop Sector

Mr. Alex Boakye, Director, Standards and Quality Assurance, Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has said the revised Tourism Act (2019), would expand the mandate of the Authority. This he said would reposition the industry by ensuring strict compliance with laid down regulations on facilities and their management.

He said the new regulations would boost the nation’s tourism growth and also guarantee the safety and delight of patrons.

The Director said this when he took stakeholders including tourism operators and Municipal and District Chief Executives in the Volta Region through the Draft Bill of the 2019 Tourism Sites Regulations Act in Kpando on Friday.

Mr. Boakye said the aim was to have sites in good shape and safe for public use towards automatically generating the needed reviews to direct tourist traffic to the country.

Mr. Elvis Gyampoh, Kpando Municipal Chief Executive said security was a key feature that must be well provided for in the Act.

Togbui Kodzoga V, Chief of Kpando Gadza who chaired the forum said the people of the region must show more interest in its tourism potential and create opportunities to enhance their livelihoods.

He said the region had invested little in tourism, particularly in the middle and the northern belts, despite an abundance of sites and cultures.

Togbe Kodzoga called on the GTA to work more with local authorities to develop sites into iconic locations.

The New Act demands best practices and standards in management, layout, access, services, security and sanity.

These would include strict codes for hygiene and maintenance and also records on activities, patrons and staff.

The new Act would reposition the Tourism Authority to bring recalcitrant operators to book.

Source: GNA

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New Tourism Act will develop sector – Official

This he said would reposition the industry by ensuring strict compliance with laid down regulations on facilities and their management.

He said the new regulations would boost the nation’s tourism growth and also guarantee the safety and delight of patrons.

The Director said this when he took stakeholders including tourism operators and Municipal and District Chief Executives in the Volta Region through the Draft Bill of the 2019 Tourism Sites Regulations Act in Kpando on Friday.

Mr Boakye said, the aim was to have sites in good shape and safe for public use towards automatically generating the needed reviews to direct tourist traffic to the country.

Mr Elvis Gyampoh, Kpando Municipal Chief Executive said security was a key feature that must be well provided for in the Act.

Togbui Kodzoga V, Chief of Kpando Gadza who chaired the forum said the people of the region must show more interest in its tourism potential and create opportunities to enhance their livelihoods.

He said, the region has invested little in tourism, particularly in the middle and the northern belts, despite an abundance of sites and cultures.

Togbe Kodzoga called on the GTA to work more with local authorities to develop sites into iconic locations.

The New Act demands best practices and standards in management, layout, access, services, security and sanity.

These would include strict codes for hygiene and maintenance and also records on activities, patrons and staff.

The new Act would reposition the Tourism Authority to bring recalcitrant operators to book.

Source: GNA

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Why the Establishment of Liberia Tourism Authority Is Pivotal To Sustained Economic Alternatives

Tourism in Liberia, JW Gbedze Beach.

How can Liberia's tourism strategies promote public-private partnerships, creating jobs and economic linkages, particularly for the large numbers of unemployed youth?

By Amara Quardu Muhammad Kamara

The coronavirus pandemic and its global impact on the worldwide economy show the Liberian economy's precarious nature, including the painful effect on Liberians. In the span of two years (2018 - 2020), the country saw a deep decline in its primary export sectors, notably a sharp decline in the mining and timber trade. Over the same period, the country's currency depreciated by about 26%, and citizens witnessed a rise in inflation of more than 21%. Overall, the Liberian economy has been struggling for the past years; however, there is a prospect of growth, with GDP projected to increase from 0.4% in 2019 and the updated 2021 economic projection; the country's GDP is expected to grow by 1.6% (World Bank, 2019) .

Despite these optimistic projections, the country's economy is still confronted with several challenges that have continued to stagnant its sporadic growth and keep its 4.5 million people at the bottom. Fortunately, the Liberian legislature, specifically the lower house, has suggested the establishment of the Liberia Tourism Authority, which with appropriate measures, will expect a positive impact on the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in terms of beefing up the revenue generation capacity, impact domestic product and as well attract more private sector investment - noting that the tourism sector is driven by private sector participation (Gboerreh-Boe) . Since the act's endorsement, the Liberian National Assembly has received applause from experts and citizens with a deep belief that the hospitality industry will redirect the declining Liberian economy's path. To capture such benefits requires environmentally, socially, and economically grounded policy frameworks derived from industry experts. Given Liberia's current economic condition, tourism can be a potential trigger for economic growth and a conduit for job creation, drawing from examples of Tanzania, Rwanda, and Kenya, respectively. 

Tourism and Its Economic Impacts in Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda

In Kenya, the tourism industry is the third-highest contributor to the country's gross domestic product, which is being promoted by the government as a source of growth and poverty eradication and a foundation of its Vision 2030. Tourism is a trigger for investment in other sectors, and it stimulates economic diversification across sectors of the Kenyan economy. Kenya's tourism product has grown up by offering unique products in its three major product lines: safari, coastal, and business and conference travel. Initial projections put Kenya's direct GDP contribution from tourism for 2009 at about US$1.5 billion, which is approximately 3.7 percent of GDP. This figure is on par with competing tourism destinations in Africa, including Tanzania, Uganda, and South Africa. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, total direct employment in the sector is estimated at 217,000 to 483,000 if indirect jobs are included (World Bank, 2010 ).   

However, Tanzania's success as a semi middle-income country is indicative of the country's efforts in ensuring strong income growth over the past decades, which has significantly influenced the sustainable economic paradigm and a persistent decline in poverty of the 58 million populations. Tourism is focused around its renowned attractions in the "Northern Circuit," the great plains of the Serengeti, the wildlife spectacle of the Ngoro-Ngoro Crater, Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, as well as the island of Zanzibar. Official statistics from Tanzania's recently updated gross domestic product (GDP) series suggest that tourism accounted for about 9.9 percent of GDP (equivalent to an amount of US$4 billion in direct and indirect contributions (Tanzania's Tourism Futures Harnessing Natural Assets, 2015) . The author can vividly recall his unforgettable experience in Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar Island during his educational tours in East Africa.

Meanwhile, Rwanda, as a landlocked country, has deeply harnessed the potentials of the hospitality industry through tourism, which is considered a trailblazer for the country's economic development. In 2019, the employment in the Rwandan tourism sector rose to 429 thousand persons growing at an average annual rate of 10.63%. Then in 2020, the sector's contribution to the country’s GDP was 1.7 billion US dollars. Over the last 20 years, the contribution of the industry to the GDP of Rwanda grew substantially from 0.1 to 1.7 billion US dollars rising at an increasing annual rate that reached a maximum of 71.72% (W orld Data Atlas ). The tourism policy elaborated by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MoTI) projected the country to grow international tourist arrivals to 2,219,000 visitors and anticipated to earn the country US$627 million in revenues by the year 2020.

The contributions of tourism to the mentioned regions can further be seen as an eye-opener of the Liberian government through the Economic Management Team, particularly the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Ministry of Commerce, National Investment Commission, and the Liberia Revenue Authority, to be deeply committed to its socioeconomic significance thus improving the service industry, gross domestic product and providing job opportunities for the unemployed youths. So, the passage of an act seeking to establish a Tourism Authority by the bicameral legislature marks the beginning of structural and radical economic governance and an essential source of economic diversification, particularly for a developing economy like Liberia.

How Tourism Could Leverage Economic Recovery Process of Liberia

In Liberia, the challenge of economic governance and the effective oversight of fiscal policy, concession, procurement, and natural resources pose a threat to our financial sustainability. However, the economic recovery process would consider the variety of policy issues to be addressed even before harnessing the tourism industry's enormous potential. 

First, environmentally, socially, and economically grounded policy frameworks derived from industry experts should focus on strategies such as spur policy focus and improve the investment climate for the Tourism sector, improve necessary infrastructure for supporting the industry, improve skills development in the industry, ensure environmental sustainability and integration of local community involvement in the sector development process, improve institutional capacities and coordination in the sector and to improve the Liberian Tourism brand, and develop robust Tourism offerings amongst others. 

Second, the government should reaffirm its support and commitment to the continuation of infrastructural development such as roads, energy, water and ensure that security and the healthcare sectors are meanwhile supported. 

Third, at the local level, the government should be deeply committed to structural adjustment of the sector by ensuring that the cascading waterfall elsewhere in Kpatawee, Bong county, is secured, developed, and an environment-friendly site for tourism. Create recreational activities around and improve Lake Piso's experience as Lake Kivu in Rwanda. Also, given the historical significance of Providence Island, the government should redesign the island that will depict its historical nature. Upgrade Liberia National Museum with artifacts and statutes showcasing the days of slavery and the arrival of freed slaves to Liberia. Like Bagamoyo Island in Tanzania, Providence Island could attract international tourists based on its historical significance. Meanwhile, efforts to revitalize the industry will require the private sector's participation through a public-private partnership where conservation institutions will squarely handle the Sarpo National Park management and rebrand the park for tourism destinations. 

Lastly, revisiting the visa policy by ensuring a visa-free approach will onward attract tourism destinations to Liberia considering our natural features, the cultural sites, and our history as the first republic on the continent to gain independence will further enhance the potential of the sector. These policy recommendations, when effectively applied, will break the nation's economic nightmares and enlarge the investment portfolio of Liberia by increasing the capacity of local firms, boost support for infrastructure development such as hotels and real estate, improve revenue generation, and as well lead to job creation.

Tourism is a catalyst for investment in other sectors, stimulates economic diversification across industries, and offers strong potential for environmental and cultural linkages by providing a financial incentive to preserve natural and cultural sites; undertake ecological cleanup efforts, and improve habitats. It is estimated that the sector accounts for over 30% of the global service exports and generated an estimated US$1.5 trillion in export earnings (UNWTO, 2020). This means that tourism expenditures can turn over 7 to 11 times in an economy and is essential to achieving effective socio-economic development.

The tourism industry is regarded as the most extensive and fastest-growing sector globally and a key driver for socio-economic development. In countries like Kenya, the industry's total direct employment is estimated at 217,000 - 483,000 jobs. It is also noted that the sector is labor-intensive, and stimulates the growth of Small Medium Enterprises, and can widely support poverty reduction strategy. Tourism also has a strong spillover effect; spurring growth is closely related to sectors and subsectors such as agriculture, furniture manufacturing, foods and beverages, arts and crafts, etc. (Liberian National Export Strategy on Tourism, 2016) .

Given its unique history and natural beauty, Liberia is poised to capture a fair share of tourism revenue. A virgin forest representing 42% of the rainforest in the region followed by its endangered species, its geographical outlooks, the beautiful beaches and lakes, including miles of coastline, and the cascading waterfall Kpatawee provide opportunities for water sports and other recreational activities. Our country, founded on the foundation of freed slaves, connects our bond to African-American linkage. In Ghana, for example, the government has recorded consistent growth in GDP as a result of "Year of Return," which commemorates the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first recorded enslaved Africans in the United States. The Year of Return represents an effort to "unite Africans on the continent with their brothers and sisters in the diaspora." Like Ghana, Liberia is placed significantly to exploit the dividends associated with the Year of Return and to engage African-American communities in the diaspora to visit the oldest republic on the continent, which is home to enslaved Africans and the freed slaves. 

About the author:   Amara Quardu Muhammad Kamara holds double masters in Development Studies and Project Management at Mount Kenya University, Kenya, and the University of Kigali, Rwanda.  He can be reached at [email protected] 

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Tourism Authority Act 2013 Passes In The House

Prior to its passage, MPs from both sides of the aisle spoke at length about the Bill in the House of Assembly covering aspects such as the closure of the BDOT, selecting the CEO, level of Independence of the Authority, financial aspects, tourism in general and more.

Last month Government confirmed that the Bermuda Department of Tourism [BDOT] will be dissolved, staff will have to reapply for positions, and the Tourism Authority will come into effect which will “operate as a private sector entity.”

Speaking in the House during the debate, Derrick Burgess [PLP] spoke about his concerns for the staff of the present BDOT, and said they “have privatized tourism.”

Rolfe Commissiong [PLP] said the Authority will “essentially be funded by the Government, but there is little in the way of accountability” which he said was “problematic.”

Susan Jackson [OBA] said the Authority can give our tourism product a “rebirth”, while Cole Simons [OBA] spoke about the importance of our overall product, and described an incident of receiving  ”abysmal” service at a major local hotel.

Bob Richards [OBA] said mixing politics with business is like “oil and water.” The Finance Minister said one of the objectives of the Authority is to “remove the oil from the water.”

Marc Bean [PLP] said if the Authority was being funded by the private sector he “wouldn’t even stand up.” The Opposition Leader said it is a “question of accountability” as it’s “taxpayer money in private hands…I do not care how you paint it, it is what it is.”

Shawn Crockwell [OBA], the Tourism Minister, said if we can get over 400,000 air visitors into Bermuda, the industry will do well. He said the island has an issue with capacity, and told the House one of the main objectives of the Government is new developments.

Speaking previously, Chair Designate of the Tourism Authority David Dodwell said : “This is a very significant step for Tourism in Bermuda. We are working towards our vision of being an independent, modern, and leading tourism enterprise – dynamic, entrepreneurial, and vibrant.

The Bermuda Tourism Authority Act, as tabled in the House, is  [PDF] here .

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Articles that link to this one:

• Photos: Bermuda Tourism Ads From The 1960s | Bernews.com | September 29, 2013
• Weekend Reports, Photos, Videos & Links | Bernews.com | September 30, 2013
• Tourism Authority Bill Passes In The Senate | Bernews.com | October 7, 2013
• David Dodwell On Tourism Authority Transition | Bernews.com | October 9, 2013
• PLP: Tourism Authority Progress Is ‘Concerning’ | Bernews.com | December 10, 2013
• Video: Minister Explains Hiring Of Consultant | Bernews.com | May 24, 2014

I’m feeling cautious optimism. Let’s hope they get some good people – old and new – in place that will help us redevelop our product in a solid, sustainable way. Let’s hope that they don’t let politics – and egos – mess things up.

Well done Minister Crockwell and Chair Designate of Tourism Authority, David Dodwell. Finally the chance to take tourism out of politics and get on with catching up on the rest of the globe who have leapt ahead of Bermuda in the tourism industry. The National Tourism Plan provides a workable blueprint if implemented. However what remains truly imperative is the need for Bermudians to regain a sense of pride in their own country combined with a genuine desire to welcome visitors without charging prices that would scare most of the world away.

Thank you OBA. Promise made. Promise kept. Now, I can assume that if tourism declines over the next couple of years, we can expect David Dodwell to be fired. Correct?

If it doesn’t get better over the next couple of years, there’s gonna be a LOT of people calling for his resignation, myself included.

first of all if the government is still footing the bill how can it be none political and david dodwell is the wrong guy a company that he is part of still owes govnment money what he gets to work off his bill also if we have a ceo what do we need the director for

Talkin’ about egos…FT MUN1-2WBA…HAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAA!!!United takin’ licks this season!!!!!!!!

I’m feeling somewhat the same as you Mike Hind…True, lets hope there isn’t a mix-up between the 2, (politics and egos)

Well said Mike — and I (for many I’m sure) agree !

Finally! The Competitiveness Commission, back in the early 90s then the Monitor Report, both costing taxpayers hundreds of thousands to produce, suggested then strongly advocated the formation of a Tourism Authority.

Nothing happened. In over 20 years, nothing happened. Tourism went into freefall.

Now we are looking at getting back to the future with something that resembles the very successful Trade Development Board of the 50s & 60s whereby promotion of the Island, with Government financial assistance, was run by people who were in the business.

Without further delay, get on with it.

Too bad the formation of the authority has to include all of David Dodwell’s considerable baggage. This is potential boondoggle of epic proportions.

No wonder the Wayne Furbert appointed him….to put the blame on the UBP if he screws up!

Now we can put our resources towards a ministry of international reinsurance business and unionize it!

Good!…people will have to really work for their wages now instead of texting all day and long lunch hours.

Isn’t that what got people so upset about Mr Henagulph’s submission to SAGE? Or was it the senior guys who were busy looking the other way?

Where do you live Nuffin. Paget Island?

None of your business!

Immediately what comes to ming is the potential conflict of interests. It is no secret that the minister is a ‘rookie’, hence, who is really calling the shots here. Is it the mentor, D. Dodwell? As a private businessman, he has proved to be relatively successful, with the Reefs. Yet of late, that record is questionable! Are we really to have an Independent Authority, funded by ‘the Peoples’ money, where private individuals have personal interests, would have the Island’s overall interest first? I would like to see promotion of the ‘bermudarentals.com’ site. This would obviously increase numbers – re: the average working-class considering Bermuda as a destination, where accommodation is more in-line with what is considered affordable!

Now we at least have a chance to compete THANK YOU OBA now let’s finally get on with it next season is around the corner. If we desire visitors all year , increased tax revenue , free international exposure and JOBS ……..lets build a first class CASINO !!!

So what will the Tourism Minister be doing now that Tourism is privatised? Things that make you go hmmmmm.

taking more trips

Implementing.

A question for you:

If you have the CEO of the Tourism Authority, why do we need a PS and Director and/or the Minister?

You said implementing? The Minister is never apart of an implementation – that’s what the civil service does.

Ask him. I’m not in Government.

Without gaming there is not much hope to revive tourism…..the product would still be the same…gaming brings in foreign capital and puts people back to work…….skip the referendum and do it

Good work OBA,now get the tourists here!

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