New Delhi, Dec 16 (IANS) The government will completely overhaul its security set-up for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, a senior official said here Tuesday.
'Tourism in general and medical tourism in particular have suffered negative growth in the month of November. We will reshape security arrangements to ensure that it (medical tourism) grows by at least 20 times during and after Commonwealth Games of 2010,' Tourism Secretary Sujit Banerjee said at the International Medical Tourism Summit here.
He said senior officials from all ministries associated with the Games, led by the home secretary, will jointly chalk out plans to upgrade security for tourists.
'The exercise will commence any day and the government will ensure all possible protection not only for hospitality industry but also sites of historical importance, besides venues for the Games events,' Banerjee said.
'Medical tourism has growth potential as India provides the best of medical treatments at minimal cost,' he said, adding that tourists visiting India for medical treatment during the Games would be taken to popular tourist spots, including religious and adventure sports sites, at government expense.
The tourism secretary said the government is also considering relaxing visa norms for such tourists.
In addition, there will also be free yoga programmes for overseas tourists at various camps.
